The Post

Mayor must present facts

THE announcement by mayor Mxolisi Kaunda that all Durban beaches would open on December 1 took me by surprise.

For a start, I am a councillor in the same council as the mayor.

Records will confirm that the poor condition of the city’s waste treatment plants is contributing to high E coli levels found in the water on beaches.

In September, Talbot, an independent water treatment company issued a similar warning.

E coli is a faecal bacteria commonly found in the intestines of animals and humans. Its presence in the water is an indicator of sewage contamination.

The main contributor of E coli contamination in Durban is due to the deplorable state of the city’s water treatment plants. Despite various warnings issued by city officials over the years, the municipality failed to act.

The situation worsened after the floods earlier this year. Flood relief funds promised by provincial and national government have not reached Durban as yet. So how could these plants be fixed in time for the opening on December 1? Impossible.

The mayor’s silence, then his uninformed comments, after facing severe criticism, can only be a result of the weak team in his office which has been filled with political appointments.

The Office of the Mayor has a bloated administration. These highly paid officials lack the skills, expertise and experience required to assist the mayor to perform his tasks effectively.

In the interest of the citizens of Durban and tourists planning to visit, the mayor must respond. In so doing, he has to present the facts and not rely on his incompetent team in his office.

VISVIN REDDY

President African Democratic Change

Durban

Opinion

en-za

2022-12-07T08:00:00.0000000Z

2022-12-07T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://thepostza.pressreader.com/article/281852942601778

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