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NMB Public Health Committee oversight must continue through use of technology

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Dear MyPE

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Nelson Mandela Bay believes that the work of Council and its Committees’ cannot stop during a time of crisis. In fact it is more vital than ever that the Metro adapt and use technology to allow councillors to continue oversight.

Since the announcement of the National Lockdown the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) Executive Committee has provided councillors with piecemeal information regarding the Metro’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

I have written to the Interim Executive Mayor, Cllr Tshonono Buyeye, Speaker of Council, Cllr Buyelwa Mafaya, and Acting City Manager, Noxolo Nqwazi, to request greater formal communication from the Executive, particularly to the Public Health Committee.

The National Assembly and Provincial Legislature portfolio committees of Health have both convened virtual meetings during this time. I have requested that the NMBM Public Health Committee follow suit and schedule a meeting using digital platforms.

The purpose of the meeting would be for councillors to be briefed on the Eastern Cape Department of Health and the Municipal Public Health Directorate joint Covid-19 operations plan. The committee will then be able to assess the effectiveness of these operations, ascertain whether or not they are making a meaningful impact, and make findings and recommendations.

Given that the Metro appears to be the epicentre of the virus in the Eastern Cape, we need to be all hands on deck. During this time of great uncertainty, all parties need to work together to find the best solutions for our Metro – for this to happen we cannot be kept in the dark.

Regards

Cllr Leander Kruger
DA NMB Spokesperson for Public Health

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