Pappas pledges basics first to boost uMngeni services

Share current article via EmailShare current article via FacebookShare current article via TwitterShare current article via LinkedInSandile NdlovuEnter fullscreen mode displaying this image.ExpanduMngeni mayor Chris Pappas. Picture: Sandile Ndlovu uMngeni mayor Chris Pappas has vowed to improve service delivery in the municipality by ensuring they get the basics right.

Speaking during his inauguration on Friday as mayor for his second term after the recent local government elections, Pappas outlined the priorities of the municipality under his leadership.

“We will protect and improve our environment by expanding refuse collection, strengthening waste management and recycling, and protecting the natural heritage of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Second, we will place economic growth and job creation at the centre of our work.

“We have committed ourselves to supporting the creation of 2,000 net new jobs and providing training opportunities to 1,000 people,” Pappas said.

The municipality will strengthen partnerships with business, agriculture, tourism and industry, support entrepreneurs and make it easier to invest and create jobs in uMngeni.

“We will continue repairing roads, improving public lighting and strengthening municipal infrastructure. We will pursue ambitious targets for pothole and streetlight repairs and continue investing in the equipment, systems and people needed to achieve them.”

I will make difficult decisions when necessary. I will work with those who share our commitment to the public good, regardless of political affiliation, and I will never forget that the office of mayor belongs to the people, not to the person who temporarily occupies it

He also vowed to build a more responsive and transparent government, adding that residents must be able to engage their municipality and receive meaningful responses.

Safety is also high on his agenda, and he said the municipality under his leadership will strengthen municipal law enforcement, traffic services, emergency preparedness and improve its fire services.

“We will act against illegal dumping, dangerous properties, unlawful activities and the neglect of public spaces. We will protect the financial sustainability of this municipality.

“We cannot build a better future by bankrupting the institution responsible for delivering it. We must collect revenue fairly, reduce losses, manage expenditure carefully and protect public funds while continuing to support poor and vulnerable households,” he said.

As he took the mayoral chain for the second term, Pappas promised uMngeni residents that he will continue to lead with the determination that brought them where they are.

“I will listen, including when criticism is uncomfortable. I will acknowledge mistakes and work to correct them. I will defend the integrity of this institution.

“I will make difficult decisions when necessary. I will work with those who share our commitment to the public good, regardless of political affiliation, and I will never forget that the office of mayor belongs to the people, not to the person who temporarily occupies it,” he said.

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