INTERRUPTED electricity supply, water shortages, poor waste management and raw sewage spilling into the riverbed are challenges faced not only by Beyers Naudé Local Municipality (BNLM), but almost every municipality in the Eastern Cape.
In some of these towns, the situation has already wreaked havoc on local economies and the quality of living of its residents.
The newly established Graaff-Reinet Economic Development Forum, however, is committed to saving the town from this progressive degradation.
Under the leadership of local attorney, Derek Light, the forum aims at promoting economic development in the region by assisting BNLM in rendering effective service delivery to meet the basic needs of the community.
In his recent address at the annual general meeting of the Graaff-Reinet Residents and Ratepayers’ Association, Light shared that the forum had met the mayor, the municipal manager and stakeholders, and stated that the forum had been completely open about their aim to assist the municipality in meeting its constant obligations.
“The municipality has been transparent with us,” Light said. “Amalgamation has caused many problems. The government created the electoral district and then walked away. While the organogram desperately needs restructuring, we have to employ people who can do the work. Currently R12 million per month is paid in municipal salaries, when only R17 million of revenue comes in. This is unsustainable.”
Two projects jointly run by the forum and BNLM have already begun to take shape: repairs have been started on the sewage line from uMasizakhe down to Asherville, and the clearing of the waste transfer station and landfill site will commence today, July 4.
A detailed plan of work agreed upon by BNLM has been presented. BNLM will cover the cost of the work, which will be done by the municipal employees but under supervision of N1 Construction.
A number of additional casual workers will be financed by the forum.
In Light’s letter of proposal to the municipal manager he wrote: “This letter serves as an invitation to the municipality to accept the proposal and the hand extended to it by the community of Graaff-Reinet to assist the municipality in this important aspect of its constitutional obligation to render basic services to the community.
“It can serve as a model of what can be achieved by the municipality in partnership with the community it is obliged to serve.
“In the event that the proposal is not acceptable, or if accepted and not implemented, the consequences will be serious.”
The forum seeks to be an apolitical representative of the entire community, while also assisting existing organisations like the Chamber of Commerce, and the Residents and Ratepayers’ Association in achieving their objectives.
“The forum is in its infancy,” Light acknowledged, but added that they would continue to develop and broaden its representation.
“The challenges faced by communities in this country cannot be addressed by government only, but require commitment by the private sector also. However, sound public administration is essential.”
