The Democratic Alliance (DA) members of the Executive Committee (EXCO) from uMgungundlovu district municipality will not be participating in a three-day luxury getaway to an extravagant beach resort (San Lameer) for a strategic planning meeting.
At a time when thousands of residents in the six municipalities under uMgungundlovu’s jurisdiction are struggling without reliable water and sanitation services, it is unacceptable for the municipality to splurge on an extravagant getaway. These funds should instead be directed towards critical service delivery.
In January, the DA raised concerns over excessive spending, including R4.3 million on SALGA Games accommodation, promotional items, and event costs. We called for an end to unnecessary expenditure in favour of addressing the region’s pressing water and sanitation challenges. We also proposed that the strategic planning session be held locally—at venues such as the Umeda showgrounds or the council chamber—at no cost, which would benefit local businesses and minimise expenses.
The municipality seems to have an unlimited budget for luxuries and very tight budget constraints for the actual job of the municipality.
When we examine the budget implementation plan, we see items that cannot be achieved due to lack of funds, one example being, non-revenue water programs for pressure management. When pressures are not well controlled, loss of bulk water and costly repairs ensue.
We consider these priorities extremely skewed and unfortunate, especially for those who must live without water and struggle daily without the resource.
We will be writing to Provincial Treasury to request that they check on expenditure at uMgungundlovu district and advise on better priorities.