Security is the key need

The nub of the issue reported in “Sports facilities below par” (DD, March 1) is the lack of adequate security provided for the large range and variety of BCMM assets as well as the timeous planning and implementation of necessary repairs and maintenance.

While these assets include the Joan Harrison swimming pool and the Jan Smuts athletics stadium, they also include electricity substations, the Bhisho and Traffic Department offices, community halls, waste collection vehicles and all the other both major and minor assets which either get damaged or stolen on an ongoing basis. This matter had the attention of the BCMM Council as early as 2015 when a security risk analysis report on municipal assets was sought.

To date, this report still remains to be produced as every two months – progress is reported to council bi-monthly – an extension of time in which to produce it is requested.

Yet it is clear to the man in the street that the cost of protecting these assets is far less than having to repair and replace them almost continuously. It is clearly the responsibility of the mayor and his faithful municipal manager to ensure that not only this analysis is completed expeditiously but also that the maintenance and repair of municipal assets is performed and that they are secure. It is failures such as these that justify the widespread community lack of confidence in both these officers. One can only pray that adequate funds necessary for this are being provided in the current 2018-19 Adjustment Budget which Council will consider in the next fortnight. – Cllr Bill Gould, DA BCMM Caucus, via email