AMID fanfare as the new eThekwini mayor, councillor James Nxumalo, delivered his acceptance speech in front of thousands of Durban resisents on Monday (06 June 2011) , he vowed to uproot and eradicate fraud, corruption and maladministration that was alleged to characterise the City Hall chambers.
"I am not a person who belives in making promises for promises' sake. I want to declare war against fraud, corruption and maladministration in all its manifestations.
Strict measures will be taken against councillors and officials who were found to be doing business with the municipality they serve.
We will ensure that departments adhere to the supply chain management processes and officials will not be allowed to flout tender procedures" warned Nxumalo.
His Worship, Clr Nxumalo outlined approximately ten major priorities that, he conceded, would drive forward the numerous unmatched achievements that were scored over the past 17-years of democracy under the stewardship of the outgoing mayor Obed Mlaba.
He noted the great strides made to create an integrated city in line with the municipaslity's 20/20 vision, andemphasised that together with his 10-man executive committe they aim to enhance service delivery backlogs with the huge budget of R 68 million they inherit from the previous council.
The new exco saw councillor Nomvuzo Shabalala becoming the Deputy Mayor, councillor Logie Naidoo becoming the Speaker, and councillor Stanley Xulu assuming the vital role of being the Chief Whip.
As councillors of this municipality, we have to ensure that we show leadership and each councillor must make themselves available for public scrutiny. All councillors must declare all the business interests they have with our municipality programmes, cautioned Nxumalo.
"Collegues, in everything we do we must strive to find the right balance between economic, social and environmental responsibilities.
Our major and critical priority is to eliminated the backlogs in basic service delivery. We must recognise the great strides made by the previous council, we must ensure that we maintain our existing assets and ensure that we continue to provide our residents with the highest services possible" he said.
The incumbent eThekwini mayor stressed an emphasis that the new executive committe will have to improve their oversight to ensure that all the resources of the city (be the human resource, technical or financial resources) were utilized economically, effectivelly and efficiently.
Nxumalo also announced that working in partnership with organised business and the trade union leadership, they will as the new exco hold an Indaba to deliberate and brainstorm on strategic plans that aim to increase employment opportunities of the city residents and how they the put in place mechanisms to grow the municipality's economy.
"Fellow colleagues, we are servants of our residents and visitors. Councillors must be seen to be working together with all our people and we must ensure that our communities are always part of development as we create better lives for all" concluded Nxumalo.
Even the opposition partyleadership sang praises of the Mayor's maiden speech, with Minority Front leader Amichand Rajbansi and the National Freedom Party's Wiseman Mcoyi both saying the mayor promise is good for the eThekwini Municipality's future goals.
ENDS
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
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