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Nelson Mandela Bay loses millions due to refuse fleet tyre theft

By

Dear Editor

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is deeply concerned about the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s loss of millions of rands due to the theft of tyres that were purchased to increase the capacity of the municipal refuse fleet.

On Tuesday, 7 November 2023, at a meeting of the public health committee, it came to light that two batches of tyres were stolen in June and August this year, resulting in the Metro losing R5 million.

These financial losses, and the subsequent disruption in municipal services, have to be carried by our residents, who are already struggling to pay their municipal rates due to the cost-of-living crisis that is bringing South Africans to their knees.

Under the ANC/EFF/NA/PA coalition government, on average, only three of 42 refuse compactor trucks are available. This has led to an anticipated over-expenditure of more than R60 million on externally hired refuse compactors.

The current coalition government is out of its depth and has no clue how to govern this Metro. Municipal assets are standing idle and municipal staff cannot work, while outside service providers are brought in to do the same job. All the while, the municipal coffers get emptier, services decline and the city gets filthier and filthier.

The situation is untenable and demands immediate action to ensure that our resources are being utilised efficiently and effectively.

The DA will write to the acting City Manager to request urgent intervention to address these issues and ensure that our resources are being used responsibly.

We urge the municipality to investigate these thefts thoroughly and bring those responsible to justice. The municipality must also provide a detailed report from the Internal audit department indicating what went wrong, who dropped the ball, and what corrective measures will be put in place to prevent such blatant theft in future.

The DA will not falter in its fight to rescue Nelson Mandela Bay and get the Metro working again.

Regards

Cllr Mthokozisi Nkosi
DA NMB Public Health Spokesperson

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