Infighting affecting metro

IT is with much disappointment in the coalition leadership that I write this letter.

Talk about “fiddling while Rome burns”, we appear to have a situation of “fiddling” without any prospect of resolution in our metro.

The continued infighting between the mayor and his deputy is not acceptable to the citizens of Port Elizabeth.

The citizens do not deserve this treatment from the coalition-led leadership comprising the mayor and the deputy mayor, especially following the collective promises made after the election results of last year.

The lack of a harmonious working relationship between the mayor and his deputy is proving detrimental to not only service delivery, but also to the fostering of investment in the city of Port Elizabeth.

This should be of primary concern for the economic growth of the city.

In the real corporate world a dispute as currently experienced by the mayoral leadership would not be tolerated for long as the board of directors, in the preservation of the company, would soon sort out the problem.

The blame for the continued hiatus in resolving the issues of difference can therefore be put fairly and squarely at the door of the DA and UDM party leaders.

If the mayoral incumbents do not adhere to the policies of joint governance, they should be removed or if there is a clash of personalities, as there currently is, then persons who can get along should be appointed.

Of major concern is the lack of response by the mayoral leadership to the issue of General Motors exiting from the city of Port Elizabeth at the end of this year, after having been a major employer for a great many years.

It commenced vehicle assembly operations in 1926, firstly in Darling Street, North End, Port Elizabeth.

The effect on the current workers at General Motors, Port Elizabeth, through loss of employment will be sad and calamitous.

This is of much concern, especially as the mayoral leadership appears to have been informed earlier than the general public of the decision by General Motors, USA with regard to ceasing its operations in South Africa.

A major question arises as to why a mayoral delegation did not board an aeroplane and fly to New York and plead the case at the headquarters of General Motors for its continuance in Port Elizabeth?

Maybe certain incentives could have been discussed, etc.

The public of Port Elizabeth only became aware of the decision by General Motors to cease operations when news thereof was reported recently in the media.

I would hope that the public of Port Elizabeth, unlike in the General Motors saga, is kept fully in the picture as to progress of the announced major investment by a Chinese motor group, and that such entity is provided timeously with all municipal services and assistance required in getting started.

Ernest Sharp, Beverley Grove, Port Elizabeth