The DA has written a letter to the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) stating our opinions and objections about the proposed changes in Mpumalanga municipal boundaries (demarcation), especially the proposed intention of creating a fourth district in the province.
Last month, the Board circulated a notice calling for members of the public and organizations to submit written representations and views about the intentions of creating a fourth district in Mpumalanga and creating changes to municipal boundaries (re-demarcation) specifically in the following district municipalities: Ehlanzeni and Gert Sibande.
In our letter, the DA stated categorically that we do not support the formation of a new district in the province, due to the following reasons: – We believe the funds spent on forming a fourth district can be better utilized for many other projects in the province. We don’t believe that residents will benefit in any way from the formation of this new district, whether through funding or other services provided by the District Municipality.
The DA has also stated that it in principle, it does not have an objection to the proposed inclusion of Louisville area (under the Lomshiyo Traditional Authority) to be part of the City of Mbombela (Umjindi/Mbombela) municipality (DEM7751). Currently Loisville is under Nkomazi local municipality, but due to geographical reasons this area is totally cut off from Nkomazi and they already get most of their services from Umjindi/Mbombela.
This area should therefore be included as part of Umjindi. Kaapmuiden and Matsulu are also part of the Lomshiyo Traditional Authority. These areas should also be considered to be included in Umjindi. Presently services are provided from Umjindi region. This will also ensure that the Lomshiyo Traditional Authority falls within one local government area.
The Nkomazi Tollgate can be used as the boundary between Nkomazi and Umjindi. Concerns: Previous amalgamation proposals pushed through on a purely politically driven agenda with no regard for the best interest of the community or viability of the amalgamation. If this is again a politically driven agenda this will not work.
There needs to be: Serious political will; Community buy-in; Firm financial commitment, set up cost, implementation cost, infrastructure development cost etc. Detailed implementation planning.
The big one that the DA supports is the separation of uMjindi municipality from the City of Mbombela. Ever since uMjindi and Mbombela were amalgamated to form the City of Mbombela, residents of Barberton and surrounding areas (uMjindi) have not been getting proper municipal services like they used under the former uMjindi local municipality.
The DA is also in support of the proposed redetermination of the municipal boundaries of City of Mbombela Local Municipality and Thaba Chweu Local Municipality (DEM7752) by excluding portion of the Remainder of portion 51 of the farm HEIDELBERG 249 IT from the municipal area of City of Mbombela Local Municipality and including it into the municipal area of Thaba Chweu Local Municipality.
It is the DA’s opinion that the residents of portion 51 of the HEIDELBERG farm will benefit by receiving possible improvement of services since the area will be closer to the service delivery centre of Thaba Chweu after the change has been affected.
In our letter to the MDB, the DA has also mentioned that we support the proposed redetermination of the municipal boundaries of City of Mbombela local municipality and Bushbuckridge local municipality (DEM7760) by excluding portion of Madras/Sandford community (Mathibela traditional area) from the municipal area of City of Mbombela and including it into the municipal area of Bushbuckridge local municipality. It is our opinion that the residents of Madras/Sandford will benefit by receiving possible improvement of services due to the fact that the area will be closer to the service delivery centre after the change has been implemented.