Statement from GOOD Councillor Richard Hector, Ward 27, Pacalstdorp, George Municipality
28 January 2021
GEORGE COUNCIL’S BUDGET FAILURES CONDEMN VULNERABLE CITIZENS TO MORE MISERY
The DA-led George Municipality failed to spend R27m of its infrastructure budget, and then failed to submit necessary documentation to National Treasury to rollover the funds. Poor people will suffer most from this negligence.
The George Council will table its Adjustment Budget 2020/21 at its first meeting of the year today. Projects affected by the Council’s financial bungling include:
- Upgrading of the Outeniqua Wastewater treatment works,
- Upgrading of storm water in Thembalethu Zones 1 and 9, and Pacaltsdorp (New Dawn and Andersonville)
- Parkdene Updgrage Sports Facilities: Netball
- Rosemoore Tartan Track
If the Council votes to continue funding these projects it will have to do so from general municipal coffers, which will force the municipality to sacrifice other budgeted service delivery initiatives.
The Council’s incompetence will therefore directly lead to a slowdown in infrastructure development, job losses, and losses to businesses invested in the infrastructure sector. It will ultimately cost long suffering citizens of George millions of Rands, and deepen inequality in the town.
At today’s meeting I will also question why the adjustment budget includes plans to electrify various areas in George, but excludes Moegeploeg, the informal settlement in Pacaltsdorp, Ward 27, which I represent. It appears the people of Moegeploeg are being punished for voting against the DA in last year’s municipal by-election.
In neighbouring Ward 14, in Rosedale, affordable houses were built but they stand empty as they have also been excluded from the Council’s electrification plans.
When I emailed the Municipal Manager Dr Michele Gratz and the Mayor of George Mr Leon van Wyk to request better service delivery for Moeggeploeg, including the supply of electricity, there was no commitment from the Municipality specifically the Electrotechnical Services Department to rectify the situation.
The Council’s lack of concern for the town’s poorest and most vulnerable residents reaffirms the DA’s divide and rule strategy. I will continue to fight for the people of George, against baaskap, and demand that quality services are provided – particularly where they are most-needed.
Ends…