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The Democratic Alliance objects to the proposed amalgamation of the
Mier and //Khara Hais Local Municipalities, as suggested by the
Municipal Demarcation Board. Political problems require political
solutions and not geographical changes.

We have submitted our objections to the Municipal Demarcation Board in
March and we will continue to oppose the proposed changes.

Firstly, the process to re-determine the outer boundaries of
municipalities was concluded in 2014. The Minister for Co-operative
Governance and Traditional Affairs has offered no compelling reason as
to why the whole process should now be re-opened. No evidence has been
produced from either Mier or //Khara Hais to suggest that there has
been widespread public demands for the changes to be made.

Secondly, the proposed amalgamation will not solve the financial
problems and lack of service delivery that residents are currently
experiencing. The problems experienced with service delivery are
problems of political leadership and poor management, not of
geographical boundaries.

If the decision is pushed through, it is the poorest of the poor who
will suffer the most. The consequences and implications of the
proposed amalgamation will likely turn Mier into a ghost town.

Thirdly, the suggested amalgamation is unlikely to meet the objectives
set out in section 24 and section 25 of the Municipal Demarcation Act.
For example, section 24(b) determines that an area must be established
which will enable effective local governance. But no information is
forthcoming on how this objective will be achieved. For instance,
there is no clear indication of how many councilors will serve in the
newly established area. The number of councilors has a direct bearing
on the finances and sustainability of the municipality, yet this
crucial information is omitted.

Both municipalities are regarded as dysfunctional, as stated in
Circular 1 of 2015 circulated by the Municipal Demarcation Board. How
do you solve the financial problems of one dysfunctional municipality
by clubbing it with another dysfunctional municipality?

We urge those who share our views to submit their objections to the
Municipal Demarcation Board:
• By fax: 086 524 8643
• By e-mail: fazel@demarcation.org.za
• By regular mail: Private Bag X123, Centurion, 0046.

Issued by DA