Social development maintenance cuts condemned

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OPPOSITION political parties have entered the fray and called for KZN MEC for Social Development, Weziwe Thusi to present a maintenance plan for Department of Social Development (DSD) offices.

DA KZN Member of Parliament, Dr Rishigen Viranna called on the MEC to show strong leadership and present an urgent report on her department’s maintenance plans for its offices, including the Lower Umfolozi Offices in Ngwelezane which have been closed due to horrendous conditions.

Viranna was reacting to an announcement that the department’s maintenance budget has been slashed by two thirds, from R75- to R25-million.

Viranna said he was worried about the plight of elderly, mothers with babies and young children being attended to outside on the pavements.

‘We are worried about this situation where a departmental truck without any sides on its ‘ladder’ leaves clients at risk of falling off, lack of privacy for staff interviewing clients with social problems, and lack of resources such as computers and desks.

‘We note that according to staff at the centre, their pleas to the department for assistance have fallen on deaf ears. Even a letter to the MEC, sent via the district office months ago, has still not been responded to.

‘This is unacceptable. Where is the provincial DSD’s own internal monitoring, and more importantly where is the MEC?’

Viranna said his party believed that the MEC has shown a profound lack of leadership in failing to address staff concerns, and by allowing the closure of the offices.

‘The MEC has denied the people of this poor community access to social services.

‘We also find the proposed alternative offices in eSikhawini and Richards Bay too far away for them to access.

‘Unless the MEC has a plan to address maintenance issues then she and her department will simply lurch from one crisis to the next,’ he said.

Viranna’s sentiments were echoed by the leader of the IFP in the KZN Legislature, Blessed Gwala, who said he was shocked to learn of the plight of the elderly and the vulnerable.

‘The problem with the ANC-led government leaders is that they spend more time on marketing themselves to the electorate, rather than doing service delivery.

‘Even during her budget debate, the MEC never spoke about this crisis.

‘As the IFP we also demand to see maintenance plans, because even the temporary arrangement is not effective,’ added Gwala.

Meanwhile DSD Media Liaison Officer, Ncumisa Fandesi maintained that the department was doing something about the matter.

‘We have informed the public that their workers have been moved elsewhere.

‘ few staff members have been left at the gate to direct members of the public to these offices, while the Department of Public Works finalises the process of securing alternative space.’