THE Graaff-Reinet Residents and Ratepayers Association (GRRPA) recently expressed their concerns about inconsistencies and omissions in the Beyers Naudé Local Municipality’s (BNLM) 2017/2018 draft annual report.
According to GRRPA secretary, Liz Buisman, a document containing all objections about the report was sent to the BNLM, but by Tuesday March 26, the association had not received any answers. The GRRPA had several concerns over the draft report’s content on water supply.
The report stated that, “Due to a prolonged drought the past few years, dam and underground water levels have dropped substantially and strict water restrictions were imposed during the year of reporting.”
According to the GRRPA, however, BNLM failed to enforce these restrictions, and no fines had been imposed. While residents are currently faced with empty taps on a daily basis, the GRRPA were also surprised to discover that no mention was made in the report about the boreholes in Damkamp, which need attention, and currently seem insufficient to supply enough water to the community of Graaff-Reinet.
Some of the other concerns raised by ratepayers were:
. Waste water and sanitation – according to the annual report, sanitation systems were ‘functioning well’, despite sewage leaking constantly from several pump stations in Graaff-Reinet all through the reporting year. The report also stated that there were zero households with below minimum standard sanitation facilities. “Not true,” said Buisman. “There are a considerable number of informal houses without toilets, and these residents are constantly faced with highly unhygienic living conditions.”
. The Department of Safety and Security reported only 10 traffic infringements. “Do BNLM really expect ratepayers to believe this?” asked Michelle Erasmus, chairperson of GRRPA. “Ten traffic infringements for an entire year, with Graaff-Reinet probably being the busiest town in the entire Great Karoo?”
. Waste Management – the GRRPA expressed their concern over the vagueness of the report regarding waste management. “The report reflected that fines were imposed for illegal dumping, yet no figures or proof was attached,” said Buisman. “It was also stated that ‘skips’ were being cleaned in all areas twice a week, while this was in reality not the case. On the topic of pollution, the report noted that there had been complaints about air pollution, but absolutely no mention was made of serious pollution in residential areas, like rotting refuse, used nappies, dead animals or pollution of the river by leaking sewage.
. Airport – The GRRPA asked BNLM to explain why the draft annual report contained no information regarding the airport, which is also a municipal facility. “We as compliant ratepayers of Graaff-Reinet would like answers,” said Erasmus. “One would think that the municipality would understand the value of transparency and accuracy in reports like these.”
The GRRPA admitted to having submitted their concerns in writing only after the closing date for comments (February 28), but also expressed their frustration with the municipality’s website. “The draft annual report in question only became available on the BNLM website on March 1, despite the municipality claiming that it was already available online,” said Buisman.
The 2017/2018 draft annual report was due to be accepted at the BNLM council meeting on Wednesday, March 27 (details of which were not available at time of Mid-Karoo Express going to print on Wednesday).
According to BNLM spokesperson Wilca Smith, an advert was placed in the Mid-Karoo Express on February 7, 2019 indicating that the closing date for comments would be February 28. “Also, a public hearing for input on the annual report was held in Graaff-Reinet on February 28 at 14:00 in the Robert Sobukwe Hall, but nobody showed up for this meeting,” Smith explained.
