We would like to give feedback to the extend that it is possible at this stage with regards to the memorandum handed over on 12 May 2023 to the acting MM (Municipal Manager), Mr. Ngesi with more than 7000 signatures representing the communities of Parys, Tumahole and Schonkenville.
At a meeting between some of the directors of Save Ngwathe and the acting MM Mr. Ngesi, on 7 June 2023, we received the formal feedback as attached to this post.
The feedback we received in our opinion was a poor effort at best to answer our questions and demands, giving no clear answers and a workable plan going forward.
No timelines were given, so no accountability. The feedback did not even have a date on it.
This just shows us as the community the total disregard the municipality has for the community.
Some of you might know Mr. Malunga has been suspended as technical director by the council after serious allegations and a pending investigation.
During the meeting Mr. Ngesi confirmed to us that Mr. Phele, the water manager, has been appointed as acting technical director. Mr. Ngesi confirmed that he opposed the appointment, but it was pushed through by the council.
In our dealings with Mr. Phele, we come under a strong conviction that he is in apt to be the head of his department and now that he is appointed as the acting technical director, we have serious concerns with regards to the capability of the technical department under Mr. Phele’s supervision to rectify the water, sewerage and electricity challenges.
The municipality is not spending their budget on capital expenses, which includes water, sewerage and electricity infrastructure to the amount of R43 million for this financial year ending 30 June 2023.
We also took up the matter of fault reporting with him and he acknowledged that there are serious shortcomings, and he will endeavor to make work of it in the 2 weeks that he is still in the position of acting MM.
Regards
Save Ngwathe
Also see Open letter to Mr. Ngesi, click here.
MEMORANDUM SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF GENERATOR PARYS WATER TREATMENT WORKS APRIL 2023