Home

Nelson Mandela Bay coalition on the verge of collapse

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The coalition administration in Nelson Mandela Bay is on the verge of  losing power.

During the heated debate around land expropriation without compensation, the Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF) leader, Julius Malema, announced in Parliament that they will be tabling a motion of no confidence against the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) Mayor, Athol Trollip on April 6.

It has been an uphill struggle for the coalition government from the start with infighting between Trollip and his ousted Deputy, the United Democratic Movement’s (UDM) Mongameli Bobani.

Now the African National Congress (ANC), EFF, African Independent Congress (AIC), United Front (UF), PA and UDM have voted against an adjusted budget. This means R200 million worth of service delivery projects will grind to a halt.

Some of the projects affected are public lighting in disadvantaged communities, improved sanitation and water infrastructure and tarring of roads.

“In a short period of time we can see the city is good. The safety and security has improved, they are cutting down in gang shooting. The improvement is very visible. We need this improvement to continue. We know there is a lot of bucket systems which has been a big issue for many years that has improved. We want this administration to at least be given a chance,” says Nelson Mandela Bay Ratepayers Association Chairperson, Kobus Gerber.

During his campaign Trollip promised to create jobs, stop corruption and deliver better services.

In his State of the Metro Address last year, he said more than 2 500 people have been employed by the metro.

Through the Extended Public Works programme and his administration he has stopped three corrupt contracts with an estimated value of R50 million.

The administration has also launched the Metro Police targeting gangsterism in the northern areas. However, policy changes have left workers unhappy.

Residents of Nelson Mandela Bay believe Trollip’s days as a mayor seem to be numbered and forming a coalition government comes with its own challenges.

Watch video below:

 

Author

MOST READ