DURBAN - THE DA, which celebrates its first 100 days in office at the helm of uMngeni Municipality (Howick) today said during the period they have been focused on uncovering the true state of the town and the most pressing areas of the concern.
“In the last 100 days we have been heavily focused on building a strong foundation that we can use to build the place that we call home over the next five years,” mayor Chris Pappas said.
He said when they took office, they faced a myriad challenges that spoke to a municipality that was barely operating.
He said when they took over they found a municipality that was owed R235 million for rates and services.
He said among the challenges they inherited was a severe lack of plant equipment, an ageing fleet and not enough tools to deliver services.
Other issues included a massive vacancy rate with core service delivery departments such as the parks department having more than 50% vacancies. They have responded to that by employing 40 contract workers to speed up various service delivery issues.
He said other challenges included a lack of oversight, performance management and institutional direction.
“We are pleased to announce that our adjustment budget was passed with majority support and this includes additional amounts allocated to (different service delivery targets,” he said.
DA leader John Steenhuisen said what had been achieved in three months is “quite remarkable”.
“You will see that there is a healthy balance of systems reform - the long-term foundation on which to build a healthy municipality - and visible, immediate improvements to service delivery. Both of these aspects are critical to turning a struggling municipality around.”
THE MERCURY