’ No quick fix’
Knysnamay Knysna mayor Aubrey Tsengwa says, says in his first reaction to the th council's approval of a Diagnostic Assessment and a Support Plan initiated by the th Western Cape provincial government, go that there are no “quick fixes” to solve the town’s tow service delivery problems.
At the same sam time he indicated that there might m be a review of tariffs and an General Valuation reconciliation “to generate gener revenue and enhance collection”. There are a also suggestions suggesti that Knysna’s waste disposal di tariffs be “re-evaluated” e as they were wer “below the normof norm of neighbouring municipalities”. muni Tsengwa T said in a statement released on Tuesday: “While council has adopted this plan, it must be noted that none of these are ‘quick fixes’. A lot of work, and cooperation between the municipality and various governmental departments must be done before any of these proposals can be put into place.”
He said requisite training and/ or development initiatives to assist councillors with fulfilling their roles and performing their respon-sibilities should be determined and implemented.
The plan, compiled by the Western Cape Provincial Government (WCPG) are based on a Diagnostic Assessment of the municipality and highlights priorities that need to be addressed.
The assessment identified areas that are functioning well, but also areas that require attention, correction and support and proposes solutions to address the root causes of each problem area.
The Provincial Treasury also assessed the municipal finances and had a number of engagements with relevant municipal officials. “All staff appointments, plans, projects, maintenance and development cost money,” said Tsengwa.
“The draft plan indicates that the suggestions of the Development Bank of Southern Africa Revenue Enhancement Project be
implemented, including a review of tariffs and General Valuation reconciliation, to generate revenue and enhance collection."
He said a budget funding plan can assist in achieving a credible funded budget with cash-backed grants and liquidity ratios that meet the norms.
The plan suggests that a service level agreement with the Garden Route District Municipality be signed regarding a regional waste disposal facility, but Tsengwa said council is evaluating viable alternative options.
Tsengwa said: “We appreciate the support of these provincial and national governmental departments. We are committed to working with them – and our residents – to cure the ills that are affecting the positive development of the greater Knysna area.”
“All staff appointments, plans, projects, maintenance and development cost money,” said Tsengwa.