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NMB Begrooting – Nou Prat Julle Kak

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If YOU as a ratepayer were consulted on what you think of the NMB’s proposed budget which failed to pass last week please let me know.

As a part time thorn in the side of anyone who falls into my cross-hairs I can comfortably say that I am an equal opportunity commentator – if you say something that disturbs my supposed narrow white male 50 something view of the world then I will question and call it out. Just ask my closest family and friends – I have no fear to challenge anything and I have no fear or lingering resentment when proven wrong…

BUT, God help you if I am proven correct – the Christmas Card List comes out and a little mark is made next to the naughty child’s name!

I have been privy to the tantrums (real and imagined) in the kindergarten – you may call it the Nelson Mandela Bay Council Collection of inept posers!

Every year when it comes to passing the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality budget the opposition party realises that it has a chance at some column centimeters and stalls and refuses to vote and pass the budget.

Over the years every single opposition party has done so – like a small child placing it’s fingers in a plug – every opposition party knows that it will get hurt but continues to do so!

This year is no different as the DA have proven by making their demands known, saying;

For the DA to support the budget we demand that: (My comments in italics after each)

The mayor immediately makes the results of water testing public. This is after it recently came to light that the Metro’s water supply has been contaminated since October 2021. (Editor – the water contamination which was from a DA led temporary solution occurred AFTER the budget figures were proposed and is moot)

The mayor acts with transparency regarding the appointment of a City Manager and the contract of the current Acting City Manager. The Acting City Manager’s three-month term of office has come to an end, and she is not lawfully appointed. This will have a detrimental effect when National Treasury disburses Grant Funding. (Editor – The proper appointment of even one key person will not have any effect whilst we have ACTORS in almost every department and civil servants having a wonderful time being lazy assed, stupid gits as they know the ACTORS in charge have NO real power to fire them!)

The needs of all residents are addressed. (Editor – This demand is so wide and all-encompassing as to be be absolutely ludicrous)

Other issues that are not adequately addressed are:

Water quantity; (Editor – Dear DA – you had time to fix the water and failed, it was your band aid on heart surgery temporary fix at the Grassridge Treatment Works that failed.)

Recurring electricity outages; (Editor – what are you proposing here that the NMB take over Eskom?)

Vandalism of municipal assets; (Editor – not one of our citizens has faith or trust in our politicians or civil servants which leads to a ‘do not care’ attitude when it comes to municipal assets – WE HAVE LOST OUR PRIDE!)

A ballooning overtime bill; (Editor – refer back to my comment about the Municipal Manager and all the ACTORS we have in our civil service. The employees went home to roost!)

A dwindling revenue collection target; and (Editor – Bad ACTORS lead to bad management, bad management leads to failing collections and the spiral down continues)

Ward-based budgets (Editor – why don’t we treat each Ward as it’s own business with iot’s own budget? Now that will bring real competition and excellence to each Ward who will look for the RIGHT person to manage their affairs and prosperity!)

On the other side of the coin, AIM ViC Mkhuseli Jack said this – The DA’s Scorched Earth Policy.

The DA had an earth shattering chance to put the METRO FIRST and failed!

Related: NMB’s Flawed Adjustments Budget does not address the needs of the people

Go On – Share the Gqeberha Love!

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.