DA coalition blocks ANC
2009-03-12
Sieb Sieberhagen
At last week’s Drakenstein municipal council meeting, the DA coalition had their way when it came to voting, using its majority to block a number of items on the agenda of the ruling ANC block. It is surely only a matter of time before the ANC is ousted. Even with one DA member absent due to illness, the party had a majority of two when matters were taken to the vote. Insults were traded as tempers rose in the battle which raged in the council chamber. As one DA coalition councillor remarked, “Now we rule the council, but we do not get the money for it.” One of the agenda items that was blocked after heavy debate and personal attacks, was the finalisation of the urban edge. This edge which was provisionally accepted in December 2007 and was on the agenda for final approval, was more limited than that which the DA had approved during their short stint in power during August of that year. Koos le Roux (DA) told the council that the urban edge was based on a densification strategy: “The ANC’s proposal is disrespectful to the urgent need for property development, Paarl is already over-priced. “The town’s old infrastructure is already truggling and the streets are subject to traffic jams. To accept this urban edge will make it worse,” he said. Charmaine Manuel, the mayor of Drakenstein, joined in the debate, saying that services would be a problem if development takes place far away from current development. “We also cannot take up more agricultural land. The DA is only interested in speaking to people with capital. There is room for densification and we have to look at what we can leave for the generations to follow,” she said. The adjustment budget also came under the spotlight during this meeting. In an amendment proposal, Deetlefs du Toit (DA) suggested that R1,5 million be set aside to allow for forensic investigations into the current administration.Although Cavin Petersen, director of finance, told the council that this would result in an unbalanced budget, voting followed and the DA coalition amendment was approved. Then the unqualified auditor-general’s report for the 2007/2008 financial year was tabled for information by JT Basson (ANC), who told council that the finances of Drakenstein were in a good state. Mayor Manuel added that the good work of the administration had paid off and that the municipality’s business was in good order. Koos Louw (DA) added his appreciation for the sterling work done. Then Deetlefs du Toit (DA) called for a debate on unauthorised expenditure of R15 million. Cavin Petersen explained to the council that the implementation of the new financial standards, as requested by law, had resulted in this over-expenditure. “This is the first time that we implemented these new standards. Employment benefits are part of this new standard. We are now in line with the private sector. This is the reason for the over-expenditure,” he said. Du Toit’s amendment was approved, and followed by a demand that a letter from the auditor-general’s office to the municipal management should be tabled for discussion (it was on the agenda for notification only). After the majority voted in favour of the recommendation, it was resolved that the letter would be presented at the next council meeting.
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