Abuse of city council assets explained

It is my personal opinion that this issue is worthy of bringing to the attention of the ratepayers of Richards Bay, namely the following abuse of council’s assets.

On Tuesday 23 October, while parked at the Boardwalk Shopping Centre, I noticed a municipal vehicle arriving and two female occupants proceeding on what I assumed to be a shopping expedition in the mall.

The vehicle remained stationary in the parking area for approximately an hour, after which the two women returned with a loaded shopping trolley (infant nappies, etc), offloaded and departed.

The vehicle in question appeared to be a council maintenance vehicle as it was equipped with a ladder on the roof rack.

The question is posed: how are these blatant abusive acts of ratepayer funding sanctioned, and by whom?

Being a regular visitor to the ‘Home Centre’ business complex in Empangeni, I have also observed municipal vehicles from the traffic section stationed there.

CONCERNED RATEPAYER

Response

City of uMhlathuze Municipal spokesperson, Mdu Ncalane confirmed receiving this letter and stated that municipal employees are allocated lunch breaks and do visit the convenience stores at the petrol stations or make quick stops at the shops while on duty. The staff also take the vehicles home when they are on stand-by or on call outs.