Merging municipalities makes problem bigger: iLIVE
Residents began cleaning up yesterday after three days of violent protests in Zamdela township, Sasolburg, in the Free State. The residents rejected moves by the Municipal Demarcation Board to incorporate Sasolburg into Ngwathe municipality, which they say is bankrupt Picture: ALON SKUY
We are now 18 years into our democracy and the government and provinces are still busy with demarcations ("Complicated demarcations", yesterday).
Time and again, such demarcations have brought little result except mayhem to the affected areas.
Residents have reacted violently to incorporations and amalgamations because of perceived lack of consultation and the fear of being disadvantaged.
Many areas become far too large to be administered in an efficient way.
In some cases, there is definitely a hidden agenda by the authorities to amalgamate municipalities and areas.
Why would anyone in their right mind weld functioning and defunct municipalities together?
It would be a better idea to sort out the problems than hide them through incorporations.
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