The programme for the first 100 days in office for Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor Benson Fihla kicked off on 8 May with the unveiling of the R3 million facelift of the Nangoza Jebe Hall in New Brighton.
The renovations project created employment and training for 30 members of the community as part of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). They were trained at the East Cape Training Centre on a number of skills related to building maintenance.
Executive Mayor Benson Fihla said the refurbishment of the hall must not be seen as only a service delivery.
“This hall is named after a freedom fighter who sacrificed his life for the freedom we enjoy today. The refurbishments are also to honour him and many others like him who died in the cause of our freedom. As a municipality we commit to have service delivery programmes and initiatives that will create jobs and enhance the skills of community members, especially the youth. Rest assured this is not the only project we undertook,” he added.
The renovations entailed the painting, installation of theatre sound, lighting and curtains, the tiling of the foyer and passages as well as the installation of a new ceiling with star lights.
Standing Committee Chairperson for Infrastructure, Engineering, Electricity and Energy, Cllr Andile Mfunda said this municipal facility has a rich history.
“Since it can be hired for events by the community and it is often used by the municipality it will now add even more value to an event held here,” he said.
The hall accommodates more than 2000 seated people with separate facilities within the facility for conferencing and a community gym.
Executive Mayor Benson Fihla’s campaign to mark his first 100 days in office not only brought political and administrative stability to Nelson Mandela Bay, it also created an enabling environment for municipal employees to focus on their core function – service delivery.
Mayor Fihla, an anti-apartheid activist who spent 24 years in jail at Robben Island for his political activism, was sworn in on 22 March.
Editor’s Notes: First of all the term “Business as Usual” received a new definition and now the first 100 days in office become the first 147 days in office – this is all so confusing to me I think I will have to go and have a nap!
NMB Communications
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