"We, the people of South Africa, Recognise the injustices of our past; Honour those who suffered for justice and freedom in our land; Respect those who have worked to build and develop our country; and Believe that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in our diversity.” Preamble to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

Tuesday, 4 February 2014

Lack of funding is no excuse for not delivering services

Note: This appeared in the Daily Dispatch newspaper as a Letter to the Editor on 4 February 2012

We are all familiar with the annual news reports in the Daily Dispatch of how Buffalo City Metro fails to spend its capital budget. Given the number of potholes, leaking water pipes and the aging electricity infrastructure (just a few examples – there are many) it is unacceptable that the council consistently does not spend its capital budget. This year is no different - halfway through the financial BCMM has only spent 27% of its capital budget.

Considering this backdrop, my blood boiled when I received an email from a Buffalo City official in the roads department. After receiving a complaint relating to roads in a terrible condition that desperately needed maintenance, his response was as follows: “I would also like to use this opportunity to advise you that there are 50 Wards within the BCMM and every Councillor is requesting for the roads in their Ward to be rehabilitated / repaired ASAP and the Roads Division has limited resources at their disposal.”

It is absolutely unacceptable that officials use the excuse of limited resources when they have only spent a fraction of their budget. Our city it falling apart, and it is not because of a lack of funds - it is falling apart because of incompetent governance. If we want to see a change in Buffalo City we need a change in leadership - and that can only be done at the ballot box.

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