GRRPA meets with municipal officials

The Graaff-reinet Residents’ and Ratepayers’ Association (GRRPA) recently had a fruitful meeting with Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality (BNLM) officials, dr. Eddie Rankwana, the municipal manager, Heleen Kok, the CFO, Ivor Berrington and Bennie Arends, who is acting as Community Services Manager.

According to a spokesperson for the GRRPA, Liz Buisman, it was stated by a municipal official during the meeting that the BNLM is seen as a well-functioning municipality compared with others.

"This is a dangerous perception, the GRRPA committee feels," said Buisman. "The general impression is that BNLM is deteriorating," she said. "Officials usually attribute this to lack of funds but it is often because employees are not doing their jobs and managers are not making them do the work. The GRRPA’S mandate is to keep the municipality accountable by engaging with the officials, bringing matters to their attention, putting pressure on them. We thank them for their friendly attitude and willingness to respond to our requests." Here are some of the issues that were discussed:

Sewage: Leaking pumps is an ongoing problem. There should be two pumps at every pump station and pressure is being exerted to see that this is the case. The system is old and in need of replacement which will cost R50m. A review of the sewage system is awaited at present. Many more houses with flush toilets have been built since the system was designed. The Health Department will educate residents about throwing unsuitable items blocking the system. Businesses should be aware that fat in the drains blocks them and fat traps should be installed.

Drought relief: The Water and Sanitation Department has allocated R30m to BNLM. This must be spent by March on measures such as water meters which need installing or replacing. 40% of water in BNLM is not accounted for.

Graaff-reinet water quality: It was pointed out that Graaff-reinet water smells and tastes awful and, if left standing for two days, develops algae. This is surprising since all our water is coming from boreholes. Is the water being effectively treated? A note was taken and the official will get back to GRRPA.

Debtors have 40% of prepaid electricity cost taken: Heleen Kok said that this measure is legal and has been in place since 1997 - but not implemented. GRRPA feels that a lack of public information has caused serious confusion.

Paying Eskom: GRRPA asked the CFO why Eskom has not been paid for four months this year. She replied that BNLM cannot afford to pay Eskom and have services. 50% of the municipal revenue goes to salaries. Talks with Eskom about what it owes BNLM for providing services for those who get electricity directly from Eskom, are ongoing.

Municipal employees: A number of officials are still on suspension. The Hawks have recently been dealing with issues pertaining to this and other officials and it is hoped that the matter will be finalised early in 2019.

Large sums of municipal revenue are going to pay these officials who are not working. Overstaffing, job descriptions, job evaluations and placement processes all appear to be problematic.