By Max Matavire of The Herald

Nelson Mandela Bay municipality budget and treasury committee chairman Beza Ntshona has called for a “renewed and solid partnership” between the municipality and its communities.

Opening the monthlong Municipal Expo 2006 at Lilian Ngoyi Hall in New Brighton on 6 June, Ntshona said the ANC Freedom Charter stated that “the people shall govern”, and this must not only be in theory but also in practice.

The exhibition aims at taking the municipality to the people by having all municipal departments exhibiting what they do and the services they offer for the benefit of the communities.

“During our Mathithethisane (Let‘s talk) programme throughout Nelson Mandela Bay, we discovered that our communities do not know what services the municipality offers to them. This expo is a deliberate attempt by the council to expose communities to the municipality and its operations,” said Ntshona.

He said at these exhibitions, which will be held throughout Nelson Mandela Bay, communities should pose questions, and also offer suggestions, which would be taken into consideration by the council when mapping up its development plans.

“We know there have been numerous complaints regarding customer care, with some officials accused of being rude and arrogant. This coming-together will help improve attitudes and suspicions,” he said.

Speaking at the same function, constituency co-ordinator Nohle Mohapi called for “constructive criticism” from residents. “We accept criticism which helps improve a situation,” said Mohapi.

The exhibition moves to Kwantu Towers, Market Square on 13-14 June. Between 19-20 June, it will be at the Chetty community centre and at the Uitenhage community hall from 26- 27 June.

Source: Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality