THE Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Enoch Mgijima municipal area have requested “constructive input” from the public as it attempts to have Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality (EMLM), which the political party claims has been “sold to the white people,” placed under administration.
The Rep reported (“Committee to look at ailing infrastructure,” March 3) that a 13-member committee was established, which includes representation from local businesses, the Eastern Cape Socio-Economic Consultative Council (ECSEC) and the municipality, to look at ailing infrastructure concerns. The committee includes only three white people, one who is an executive from ECSEC, which reports to premier Phumulo Masualle.
EFF chief whip in EMLM Luthando Amos said the municipality had a council meeting on February 28 and endorsed the committee dominated “predominantly by white businesses. In our view that is a self-imposed vote of no confidence by council on itself that it cannot perform its duties as prescribed by the constitution.”
The local authorities’ duties were prescribed in the Municipal Structures Act of 1998 and the Municipal Systems Act of 2000.
“We are requesting input from the public to assist in dissolving the municipality or put it under administration as it has explained itself with a council resolution that it is not competent enough to deal with the self-explanatory crisis.”
EMLM executive mayor Lindiwe Gunuza Nkwentsha, who is a member of the crisis committee, said some of the infrastructure problems dated back 12 years and she had been in office for seven months. The municipality cared about the people it served and it would work with anyone willing to work together to bring solutions to current problems. The committee was made up of stakeholders who were paying service consumers.
“We are working with stakeholders who are willing to help. If we do not work with people to solve problems and the businesses leave town, people will lose jobs. We are serious about solving this and any other problems.”
For written submissions to the EFF, e-mails can be sent to chris.hani.office@gmail.com
