Cattle and graves keep Exco busy
Selected items from the 371st Executive Committee meeting of the City of uMhlathuze held on 22 November
Done deal
If ever there was an item that would be approved in the blink of an eye with total agreement, it was the ‘Determination of Full-Time Councillors’.
In essence and through a Government Gazette and Cogta process, Exco had to approve of its members being designated ‘full-time councillors’ and, as such, receiving full-time salaries.
Without hesitation, the item was done and dealt with, and the City now has the following full-time Council positions: Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Speaker, Chief Whip, Chairperson of the Municipal Public Accounts Committee and eight Executive Committee members.
Of grave importance
Exco was informed of an incident that took place on 3 November when a black BMW damaged memorials inside the eSkikhaleni cemetery.
According to the report, the car was driven at high speed and failed to brake at a corner, crashing through a concrete stand water pipe and into three gravestones.
Although the occurrence took place in broad daylight and the cemetery has 24-hour security, the exact registration of the BMW remains unknown.
A case was opened at the eSikhaleni Police Station.
It is unsure whether the incident was one of reckless driving or the result of an emotionally distraught mourner – or simply one who was late.
Damage is estimated at about R8 000 for each memorial and while the incident was condemned, debate centred around the fact the City is not liable for repairs, since it was not due to neglect on the part of municipal staff.
It was also reported a 30-metre steel gate had previously been stolen at the cemetery and questions were raised about the contractual responsibilities of the security company on site.
Cattle call
Tardiness in finalising the proposed municipal pound was slated by Cllr Mdu Zikhali, who referred to numerous accidents related to cattle on the city’s roads.
‘An area in eNseleni was identified as far back as 2008,’ he said.
‘If cattle were impounded and owners forced to pay fines to get them back, there would be fewer stray animals causing accident hazards.’
While officials asked for more time to investigate the delays, Mayor Mdu Mhlongo said rather than fight over whose responsibility it was, the matter required urgent implementation.
Costly delays
‘Is this the trend now, that budgets balloon?’
The question was asked by Mayor Mhlongo as various project delays were debated.
‘The Ngwelezana Hall refurbishment problems have taken the cost from R2.5-million to R6-million.
‘Clearly, someone has dropped the ball.
‘We expect professional project management and this requires explanation from officials.’
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