THE KwaZulu-Natal municipalities have been pulled by the ear because they are failing to spend money until it goes back.
The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Indigenous Affairs, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, said municipalities should make sure that they use all the money they have been allocated in advance as there will be no refunds.
He said this while speaking at a meeting attended by municipal officials and chiefs.
Yesterday’s meeting in Durban was called to discuss the status of the councils.
Buthelezi said municipalities that fail to spend the money they have been allocated are making people unable to meet their needs.
“The money that has been allocated gives us the opportunity to change people’s lives. If municipalities fail to use the money that has been allocated, the construction of infrastructure will be disrupted, development plans and economic growth will be disrupted.”
Buthelezi said the failure of municipalities to spend money makes life difficult for people.
“Municipalities are at the forefront of delivering services. They are the ones closest to the people. Needs such as water, sewage and garbage, should not be disturbed.”
Buthelezi said it is important for municipalities to vote especially as they are looking at the local government elections.
He said municipalities should ensure that they remain in a good financial position, and encouraged them to ensure that they collect enough money.
Buthelezi said that the municipalities should cooperate with the body overseeing the elections, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), to ensure that the elections are successful.
He also presented a report on the disasters that hit KwaZulu-Natal this summer.
The Minister revealed that 35 people have died in the disasters that have occurred since December.
The dead people were swept away by the rivers, some were struck by lightning and some burned.
Buthelezi said they are still looking for six people who took the rivers.
“The teams are continuing to look for the missing. We sympathize with the affected families. We urge people to be careful when it rains and avoid crossing the rivers. The most affected regions are Mgungundlovu, Amajuba, Thukela, Durban, Ugu, Mzinyathi, Zululand, Mkhanyakude and Lembe.”
Buthelezi said they will come up with strategies to avoid the loss of lives if there are disasters.
He said they have started preparing to deal with winter disasters.
“We have started assisting municipalities, ensuring that they are ready to deal with winter disasters. Our aim is to protect people’s health.”