ESIKHALENI residents’ grievances were finally tackled during a closed meeting between the South African National Civil Organization (SANCO) and uMhlathuze Municipality leaders, at the Richards Bay’s Civic Centre auditorium on Wednesday.
Leaders met to discuss issues that were raised during a community meeting in eSikhaleni last month.
Residents had complained about high rates, electricity cut offs and newly installed water meters in the rural section of the township.
They believed their houses were wrongly evaluated, leading to high rates.
The need for street lights in uMkhobose and eMadlankala areas, the demand for water supply, and damaged roads were also on the list of their concerns.
According to Sanco regional secretary, Thembinkosi Mthembu, leaders came up with some resolutions during the meeting.
‘It was recommended that people who have problems with their house evaluations should be granted an opportunity to contest the ratings. The municipality also agreed to install street lights where needed.
‘Regarding water supply and electricity problems, it was discussed that a generator and new pumps should be installed, to ensure a smooth operation.
‘This is still an ongoing process, but we hope everything will be sorted and we thank the municipality for taking these matters seriously.’ said Mthembu.
City mayor, Elphas Mbatha, assured residents that the municipality is in a process of installing electricity cables.
‘This project might take a while, but the municipality is in a process of installing new lines and cables,’ he said.
Leaders also agreed that water supply should not be terminated when residents owe the municipality, but the situation about the lack of payment should first be evaluated.
Sanco leaders would address eSikhaleni residents about the discussions and resolutions at uMfolozi FET College on Sunday.
