City maintenance plan needed

FOR a big municipality like the City of uMhlathuze, it is shocking to discover that we do not have a proper asset replacement and maintenance plan in place.

During the past 10 years, there has been major infrastructure development in our region especially in terms of bringing essential services to previously disadvantaged rural communities.

But equally important is the maintenance of ageing infrastructure that keeps the nucleus of urban cities and the business industry alive.

The power failure, which affected major business clients in Richards Bay for a nine-day period, does not bode well for future investment interests and was a catastrophic example of what the lack of maintenance can result in.

Industry is the backbone of this region and proper bulk services is necessary to ensure its sustainability.

An investigation into this matter is warranted and while the municipality tries to lobby for funds from national and provincial government, what other ageing infrastructure could give in?

An assessment must be done to prevent another disaster of this kind.

CONCERNED RATEPAYER