Matika hits back over motion attempt
SOL PLAATJE executive mayor Mangaliso Matika took a swipe at councillors who intend calling for a motion of no confidence to be passed against him during a council meeting yesterday.
According to councillors, they attended yesterday’s meeting due to the pending vote of no confidence in the mayor, although the meeting was concluded without the highly anticipated motion being presented.
Matika issued a stern warning to those who chose to isolate themselves or wished to remove him from office.
“Continue with your destructive role and politicise issues of service delivery. Those who don’t want to work must step aside,” he dared councillors.
He indicated that he had “extended his hand to everyone”.
“I have never run away from any problems, such as the service delivery protests in Santa Centre. People need to be patient, they must not be shy to invite my office. I can go and explain to them that those who came last will benefit last.”
In the council minutes, it stated that supply chain management processes were deviated from for the urgent surveying and pegging of Vooruitzight farm for the relocation of 170 shacks from Santa Centre, to prevent the possible invasion of the site and to avert more protest action.
The cost implication is estimated to be R382 375, while the amount budgeted for is R2 million and R258 278 has been spent so far.
It was reported that the site will not be able to accommodate all the shacks.
It was also noted that R36 042 was paid to Zilko Tours and Travel for a car hire for Matika from July 24 until August 7 as his official car was at Gariep Motors for repairs.
Only one supplier was prepared to provide the municipality with quotations.
Matika indicated that there was an outcry over councillors who were hiring workers for the Sanral project, which was not a municipal project.
“Municipal councillors do not hire workers and should only play an oversight role.
“Ward councillors should only submit a list of unemployed residents and confirm that they live in their ward. That is where their job ends. Anyone who resides within the Sol Plaatje municipal district qualifies for work, irrespective of the ward in which they are based.
“We will act swiftly to discipline anyone, irrespective of the party they belong to. If they do not behave, they must face disciplinary action.”
He stated that the refurbishment and upgrade of the Newton reservoir has hit a snag, after bedrock was hit during excavations of the pipeline.
“The removal of the bedrock requires chemical blasting and this was unforeseen. However, the matter is being addressed and we hope that that project will soon pick up pace.
“This project will contribute significantly with regards to the reduction of purified water losses. Although the percentage (of water losses) has not been accurately estimated, and is based on the situation prior to the maintenance, large amounts of water are lost every second as a result of leakages across the total infrastructure.”
Matika added that a two-kilometre-long pipeline along Nobengula Extension and Adam Nomakola Street would have to be replaced due to persistent pipe bursts.
“We will start the pipe replacement project today (Thursday) and it will take about three months to complete. That pipeline is asbestos and cannot be fixed through normal maintenance work. It needs to be replaced.
“The project is being planned a such a way as to minimise the impact. However, if this cannot be avoided, provision will be made to supply residents with water while interruptions will be communicated to communities in time.”
He also indicated that they would be going ahead with the development of the Nelson Mandela monument and precinct.
“We have noticed that a Cash Build business is being constructed on the land while a council decision was taken to reserve the erf around the RC Elliot circle, which belongs to the municipality, for the memorial monument. We want to send out a strong message that council decisions will not be undermined.”
Matika added that the Mandela precinct had received the blessing and endorsement of Chief Mandela and the family.
“In African culture it is important that you get the blessings of the family of any individual you wish to celebrate or commemorate. We are happy that we have been given not only the green light, but the family has declared its availability for any process related to the precinct.
“We have also forged a relationship with King Sabata Dalindyebo, and the twinning agreement will be provided at the next council meeting.”
DA councillor Kamogelo Phiri pointed out that there was animosity in wards as some councillors only became aware that workers were appointed for the Sanral project after the fact.
Independent councillor Norman Hamman added that they were in the dark as to who hired the workers for the project. “We are not hiring and the mayor must explain.”
ANC councillor Motlalepula Wapad expressed her disappointment over the hiring of workers without the consent of councillors.
“We were called to a meeting last week regarding the hiring of workers in our wards. We went door to door to draw up a list of the unemployed. Now all of a sudden we hear that workers have already been hired.”