Nelson Mandela Bay councillor’s are faced with a quandary as their offices are seemingly falling apart.
The municipality wants to install CCTV cameras and alarm systems linked to armed response to stop vandalism of the offices even though there are budgetary constraints.
A report meant to be tabled at a corporate services committee meeting yesterday revealed all 60 ward offices, some of which are privately owned, require repair work due to vandalism and a general lack of maintenance.
The meeting was postponed due to the lack of a quorum after ANC councillor Lulama Ngwane fell ill.
Vandals, as well as cable and copper thieves, are wreaking havoc in communities in the metro.
At least one councillor has been forced to work from his vehicle because his office was badly vandalised, while another used a resident’s garage.
In a report, corporate services executive director Nosipho Xhego said a request was made to the safety and security department to supply and install alarm systems with armed response.
She said quotations had been received for most of the offices.
Ward 59 councillor Bulelani Matenjwa’s office has been broken into five times, with three of the incidents taking place last year.
The thieves stole a microwave, kettle, loud hailer and air conditioner unit, and burned some items, including documents.
“After the last break-in, we had to close the office for three weeks, which meant anyone with an emergency could not come to my office,” he said.
“We had to make arrangements and that inconvenienced everyone.
“I had to visit people’s households for more personal issues or discuss matters inside my car.”
Matenjwa said security had been hired to guard his office at night but an administrative glitch led to the guards being removed this financial year.
He said some repairs had been done, but the list was long.
Ward 31 councillor Lesline Booysen operates out of a shipping container and does not believe an alarm system could be installed inside.
Source: https://www.heraldlive.co.za/news/2023-08-30-councillors-ward-offices-in-a-sorry-state/
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