DURBAN – The uMngeni Municipality has purchased a multipurpose tractor/excavator for R1.3 million from funds saved, after wasteful projects were scrapped. It will be used to improve services in the community.
Mayor Chris Pappas and acting municipal manager Mzi Hloba welcomed it’s addition to the municipal fleet on Wednesday.
Pappas said it will be used to help the municipality provide better services to the people of uMngeni.
“I never thought I would be so happy to see it’s arrival,” he said.
The mayor said the purchase was made possible by scrapping wasteful projects, cutting expenses, and focusing on revenue collection.
“Thank you to the residents who pay their rates and electricity. This machine belongs to you.
“It will assist us to dig graves, maintain the dumpsite, clear illegal dumping, fix roads, and many other functions. Together we are making progress,” said Pappas.
During his budget re-adjustment speech in February, Pappas announced that funds had been reprioritised to purchase the multipurpose heavy vehicle, as well as other machinery to enhance service delivery in uMngeni.
Residents thanked the mayor on the municipality’s Facebook page.
“These machines are versatile and will make a huge difference to service delivery for the town and community… When you have an efficient and ethical team which includes your mayor, things start to happen that are pro-people,” said one resident.
Another said: “Congratulations to the mayor and our councillors. It is time councillors put aside their party differences, and focused on service delivery. When are other municipalities going to follow in their footsteps?”