To see how hard working Ward Councillors go about their jobs, see Ward 9 councillor, Heinrich Muller’s newsletter below:
It has come to my attention that some residents never received the newsletter for September 2011 which was distributed on 3 October 2011. I therefore urge those who have not yet received such newsletter, to contact my office and I will resend it to them. Sorry for the inconvenience. Unfortunately we have no idea what the problem was.
Appointment of yet another Acting MM
At a Council meeting early in October the following recommendations were made on the recruitment process of the position of a municipal manager:
“The Executive Mayor’s decision to cancel the recruitment process for the appointment of the Municipal Manager be and is hereby ratified…
That the Executive Mayor be and is hereby authorized to re-advertise the position during the month of November 2011.
A municipal task team to run through the whole process from start to finish…”
Mr Themba Hani was appointed as acting Municipal Manager for 3 months by the MEC in Bisho. On good course shown and on special circumstances, he may extend it for a further 3 months only.
Kabuso Report
The following media statement was made by the Executive Mayor on 26 October 2011
“…. the Report makes specific recommendations, which includes legal action to be taken against certain individuals mentioned therein. As the Executive Mayor, I plan to table the Kabuso Report, together with the recommendations that were noted at the last Council meeting, at tomorrow’s Metropolitan Council, for consideration and adoption. In addition, in accordance with the resolution taken at the last Council meeting, I am appointing a Task Team of three persons, namely Cllrs M Bungane, B Naran and N Tontsi to facilitate the implementation of the recommendations and resolutions which will be adopted tomorrow. The Task Team will be assisted by ECSECC, whose duties will include the unlocking of bureaucracy, legal obstacles and resources to fast-track the process, so that projects can be identified to generate revenue and give effect to job-creation and development.
In this respect, I would like to appeal to all stakeholders and especially the media not to continue to speculate on the outcome of such processes. I am confident, and can therefore say with conviction, that in all respects we have properly and duly followed the process and dealt with this matter fairly and in terms of good governance…”
After debate in council, the Speaker undertook to furnish all political parties with one complete set of the Kabuso report which will then be debated at a special council meeting.
We will keep you up to date.
Primary Health Care
Council resolution: Control of Metro’s clinics to be handed over to the Provincial Health department, Bisho
This item was tabled at our last council meeting and it was debated in depth. Kindly take note that the ANC councillors, at a full council meeting last month, voted in favour of moving the services to Bisho. The following recommendations were made:
“The acting municipal manager be and is hereby authorized to transfer PHC (Primary Health Care) Services to EC DoH by no later than 30 November 2011.
The municipal manager be and is hereby authorized to enter into a lease agreement with the EC DoH for the utilization of municipal facilities required for rendering PHC Services.
That the Municipal Manager be and is hereby authorized to take all reasonable steps to ensure that EC DoH effects payment of ± R93 million by no later than 31 October 2011.”
We have noted that the union (SAMWU) has approached the courts to overturn the council resolution. I will keep you up to date with any further information I receive.
Baakens Valley Fun Day
I received the following invitation from the Metro and would like to invite all residents:
“We are gearing up with a fun day in the Baakens Valley at the Sunridge Park/Fernglen section in November. This is a fun and fundraising event, intending to bring as many people as possible together to enjoy the beauty of the Valley.
The fundraising initiative is aimed at raising funds so that we can employ a few people who can assist with trail maintenance and safety in the Valley. This is a wonderful project as not only does it improve and upgrade our beautiful natural Baakens Valley treasure, but it also provides valuable jobs to people whose economic security is often so perilous.
The event is to be held in the Fernglen/Sunridge Park area. The Valley venue is located down from the Sunridge Spar, gathering at the Voortrekker Hall (alongside the NGK Church) in Broadway Ave, Fernglen on 12 November 2011 from 08h30.
We’re anticipating a fun run, mountain-bike rides of varying lengths (a loop of 6 km has been marked), a walk for those less energetic and a climbing wall for the adventurous. A new picnic area has been cleared and is a being prepared for the event. We’re encouraging as many residents of the City as possible to come out, bring their picnic baskets and enjoy the day. It’s gearing up to be a great day.
We are reaching out to you as someone who has demonstrated your interest, commitment and passion to improving the Baakens Valley. We’d like to invite you participate in this event. In addition, we are also looking for volunteers to assist on the day, donations of prizes, or sponsorship in any form. We really would welcome anything you can contribute. No offering will be considered too small or too insignificant. Let us know of how you think you may support this event.
We’d love to hear from you. Please contact one of us if you can assist in any way. Contact one of the organising committee below:
- Steff Schenk: 082 828 7421 (Fernglen/Sunridge Community Crime Forum)
- December Goduka: 082 416 4414 (Settlers Park, Nelson Mandela Municipality)
- Morgan Griffiths: 072 417 5793 (WESSA)”
Linton Grange Library Office Hours
For your info, the Linton Grange library hours are as follows:
- Monday: 10 am – 6 pm
- Tuesday to Thursday: 9 am – 6 pm
- Friday: 9 am – 1 pm
I ask that you please be patient as they are still understaffed and they have still not received any feedback re the ongoing dispute with the Metro.
Bush Clearing
I am happy to report that the Metro has once again started to do bush clearing in the ward as their tractor seem to be in working order now. Please forward any areas of concern to my office in order for it to be added to their priority list.
Ericcson Upgrading and Maintenance of Telecommunications Infrastructure in the Port Elizabeth Area
As you are all aware, Ericsson is currently busy with various major projects in PE area. These projects include the building of new infrastructure; general maintenance work on existing telecommunication routes as well as the trimming of trees and vegetation which interferes with any of Ericsson infrastructure. We have had a number of complaints/concerns and have already forwarded it to the Metro who are busy sorting it out with them.
I am awaiting feedback on these complaints and will keep you up to date as soon as I receive any. Please do not hesitate to contact my office should you have any further queries/complaints w.r.t. the above.
Important Telephone Numbers
- Municipal Account Queries: 041 506-5555
- Electricity Emergency: 041 374-4434
- Traffic Emergency: 041 585-1555
- Water Emergency: 080 020 5050
- Tree Maintenance: 041 506-5411/12
Ward 9 Greetings
Heinrich Muller
Ward 9
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Baakens Valley Fun Day Canceled – received the following note: