FEEDBACK ON MEETING WITH KOUGA MUNICIPALITY

On the dispute resolution mechanism it was proposed that the most logical mechanism would be to escalate the matter to Province. The CFO has undertaken to write out a proposal along these lines which we will have within a week.

On the complaints handling issue it was decided that:
All FEKRRA and Ratepayers Associations issues would be sent to Laura Lee. She would issue a reference number and forward the issue to the relevant Directorate in order for the matter to be dealt with. A response would be received within five working days. If the item cannot be resolved within that time frame, then the Association or FEKRRA would be notified.

All normal Ratepayers queries would be handled by phoning a number to be supplied by the Technical services number. The enquirer would once again get a reference number and an answer within five working days.

The budgeting process was highlighted as being a very important item by FEKRRA. The Kouga Municipality would have ten copies available for FEKRRA by Wednesday morning. FEKRRA would work through the budget and a morning next week would be set aside for FEKRRA in order to provide its inputs.
FEKRRA felt that the valuations process was badly flawed and that these inequities needed to be addressed. Ridwaan explained the process that was on the go in order to address both over and under valuations. There would also be a committee established which would included a member or members from FEKRRA who would look at the findings and make recommendations as to how to address inequities.
The latest Auditor Generals Report would be made available next week. The Mayor indicated that one or two last minute issues would probably result in a qualified audit. FEKRRA indicated that provided these issues were explainable and could be addressed it would be happy and would like to work with the Municipality to achieve unqualified future audits.

It was agreed that in future the details of ownership of suppliers who won tenders would be revealed when the tender was awarded. It was proposed that the details of all the companies on the Municipalities approved list of suppliers should be made available to FEKRRA regardless of whether they won the tender or not as this could eliminate potential disputes. Discussion on this matter was inconclusive with Ridwaan saying that it was not relevant as only one party won a tender and this information would then be supplied.

A Hydrological Survey of the Kouga Region had not been done due to the cost being prohibitive. (In the order of five to six million). Aerial photography was however being done in order to assist with reconciliation of the valuations. These photos would help the Municipal Engineering Department with its hydrological designs. FEKRRA offered to find volunteers to assist the KM probably at a minimal charge if help was needed in the interpretation of these photos and in the recommendation of drainage systems.

Fire protection and plot clearing were very big problems in towns like Paradise Beach and St Francis Bay. It was explained by Ridwaan that new equipment had just been purchased in order to address this problem so the work need not be contracted out. The Municipality had also just bought four smaller fire engines rather than one large one so that they could be deployed at a number of places at once should the need arise. FEKRRA proposed that plot owners who failed to clear their properties be given an ultimatum to clear their properties. The money obtained from these plot owners could then be used to pay locals to clear these plots.

Explanations were given to FEKRRA with regards to the sale of eight erven in Jeffreys Bay. It appears as if the explanation is acceptable.
Arrangements have been made to recoup the money from the supplier who did not pay over the 6.8 million rand owed to ESKOM from pre-paid meters. The Municipality would receive physical pre-paid meters to the value of 6.8 million in exchange for the outstanding monies. This matter is being finalized by the lawyers. The current supplier would not be discarded as the feeling was that they needed to be “kept alive” in order for the Municipality to recoup the money.

It was explained that the Kouga Municipality would not be putting out a Newspaper but a News Letter once a quarter in order to keep residents informed as to what was being accomplished by the Municipality. The cost of this News Letter has of yet not been finalized.

The Lungile Mxube issue was discussed and it was pointed out by FEKRRA that unless these disciplinary hearings were done properly and kept in house, future court action would be costly for ratepayers. Proper procedures had to be followed if not the Public Officials who implemented incorrect actions should be held accountable.

The issue of Fed Dennis and Japie Jansen had as yet not been finalized. (Folks here I “lost the plot” I cannot for the life of me remember by when and how this matter was to be resolved.