This is according to DA Shadow MMC for Corporate and Shared Services, Malanie Haggard and comes after the mayor of Ekurhuleni, Clr Mondli Gungubele, delivered his State of the City Address on Wednesday, March 25.
“The DA in Ekurhuleni believes that the implementation Institution Review, in its current form, will cost the ratepayers more than R35-million,” she said.
“The review sets out an organogram and positions in every department of the metro to effectively and efficiently carry out service delivery, but the DA believes this is just another opportunity for cadre deployment.
“The process was never fully reviewed, nor was the department consulted sufficiently to ensure the correct posts are created and filled to ensure effective outputs.
“Of these newly created positions, 147 will be allocated to the political office of the mayor, Speaker and chief whip of the council.
“The budget is allocated to more highly paid HODs, with less allocation to officials who will be paid to get the actual job done.
“The roll-out will cost the metro estimated R650-m and an annual salary bill of more than R2-billion.
“And it is the metro residents who cover the costs of this ‘job creation programme’, with rates and taxes said to be increased by 7.5 per cent annually.”
Haggard said the DA feels that this is not the answer, as many residents are already stretched beyond their means.
“In fact, through the envisaged Careotropols, service delivery can be achieved by addressing departmental staff needs correctly and placing emphasis on recruiting experienced employees.” – @NalediBoksburg
