Food fiasco has councillors running to the loo

The food served at a Nelson Mandela Bay council meeting on Wednesday was more explosive than the debates.

Several councillors were left with severe diarrhoea yesterday after eating food served during the lunchtime break.

One councillor was said to have set up camp next to his toilet.

Councillors, officials and the media had been treated to mutton, fried chicken, creamed spinach and pumpkin, and offered a choice of rice or samp.

UDM councillor Luxolo Namette said in a letter to speaker Eugene Johnson yesterday that he would not let the culinary catastrophe slide.

He called for an immediate investigation, saying food served to councillors had been unfit for consumption and posed a serious health risk.

“The consequences of this negligence have been severe, resulting in a wave of illness among several council members.”

Namette said he had fallen ill and had a sick list of councillors to prove his point.

“[GOOD councillor] Lawrence Troon, whose condition is deteriorating rapidly as I write this letter, even resorted to sleeping in the bathroom to be closer to his toilet.”

He said the timing of the incident could not be more concerning given the upcoming elections.

“It is utterly disgraceful that such negligence has occurred within our institution at such a critical juncture,” Namette said.

“Therefore, I am formally requesting a full investigation of this matter.

“The health and safety of every member of this council is paramount, and swift and decisive action must be taken.”

Johnson said she had not seen the letter.

Troon, when contacted, said he had been on the toilet since yesterday morning.

“I was hungry and gobbled up the food,” he said.

“I normally take my [own] food.

“I don’t think I will eat that food again.”