IN light of a claimed meltdown in the Mtubatuba Municipality, the St Lucia Ratepayers Association (RPA) has taken the first steps in attempting to acquire greater municipal autonomy for the town.
After the breakdown of essential services such as the sewage system, refuse removal, town maintenance and water supply, the RPA has announced it is to approach the provincial authorities to explore the possibility of rezoning St Lucia as a separate municipality within the district.
In accordance with the Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000 (sections 85 and 86), Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998, the RPA has requested St Lucia residents and business owners to indicate their support for such a move.
RPA Chairman Rudi Redinger has stressed that this affects every single St Lucia resident, whether property owner or tenant, and business owner.
‘Everybody in St Lucia has the right to vote for greater autonomy for the town,’ said Redinger.
Before approaching the provincial authorities, it is essential for the RPA to have a strong mandate from as many ratepayers as possible.
To this end, a mandate to be completed by all residents has been published and is to be returned to the RPA by Monday, 30 June.
‘Residents’ mandate will strengthen our efforts to achieve more autonomy for St Lucia regarding provision of municipal services and ensure that the rates we pay are used effectively and protected from fraud’, said the mandate.
