Forum engages Ndlambe on Budget
On May 26, the Ndlambe Ratepayers Forum (NRF) made up of representatives from Port Alfred, Kenton-on-Sea, Bushman ’ s River, Boknes, Cannon Rocks, Bathurst and Kleinemonde Ratepayers Associations, met with Senior Ndlambe Municipal Officials to discuss the draft 2022/23 Budget and Integrated Development Plan (IDP).
The meeting was cordial and various issues were raised and discussed with the various Municipal Officials.
The NRF has previously submitted a document raising concerns regarding the draft budget which formed the basis of this discussion.
The NRF since its inception has been seen by the Municipality as the representative body of the residents and ratepayers of Ndlambe who represent and discuss matters of common interest and have established a cordial relationship over the years.
The following were some of the issues discussed:
The Drought water tariff – The Kleinemonde Ratepayers negotiated the reduction in the proposed increase in drought water tariffs. This was amended on the request and changed to:
Standby allowances (R1,493,321) – The NRF’s view is that this allowance is excessive and should be reduced. The Municipal Officials responded by indicating that a new policy document will be drafted and submitted to Council.
Catering (R1,111,135) – The NRF’s view is that this amount is excessive and should be reduced.
Overtime (R6,611,738) – It is the NRF’s contention that the amount budgeted is excessive and should be better controlled and only used in emergency situations.
Local Economic Development (LED) (R1,198,274) – Money allocated annually to LED should be quantifiably linked to the amount budgeted and meaningful jobs created.
Casual Labour (R4,743,532) – Casual Labour should be employed to do additional work and should not perform the duties of permanent staff.
We are pleased that the NRF is able to work together. Thank you to all involved and we urge the residents and ratepayers of the different areas to support their local associations.
On 31 May 2022, two Liquor License Applications were heard for Medolino Caravan Park and a Motto Café & Restaurant (which is due to open at the Postmasters Village).
The owners of these establishments presented their motivation to the public who attended the meeting. Medolino Caravan Park is applying for an onsite consumption license for their coffee shop.
Questions were raised but in all, there was very little opposition to their proposed license. Motto Café & Restaurant is in the process of renovations and has applied for an onsite and offsite license.
The owners explained that they wish to sell imported wines from the premises.
There was little opposition to the onsite consumption aspect of their application but many concerns and issues were raised relating to the offsite sale from this venue due to its location within a residential suburb.
Many concerns were forwarded to PARRA which were raised for our members who were unable to attend.
Should residents wish to raise any questions, concerns or complaints to either application, they are welcome to raise these via email to the Ndlambe LM Speaker nsodladla@ndlambe.gov.za) and the Public Participation Manager luyanda@ndlambe.gov.za).
We are working hard for this community and voluntarily donate many hours of our private time to ensure that the interests of our ratepayers’ and residents’ are raised with Ndlambe LM.
If you would like to support us, please consider joining PARRA.
We need funding, support, skills and involvement from the diverse communities which fall within our geographical area.
If you live, own, work or rent in Port Alfred, Nemato, Station Hill or Thorn Hill, please get involved.