Times Of Swaziland: GOVT PROBES INFIGHTING AT  MATSAPHA TOWN COUNCIL

GOVT PROBES INFIGHTING AT  MATSAPHA TOWN COUNCIL
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Phila  Sibiya on 12/01/2019 08:54:00


MBABANE – It never rains but pours for the Matsapha Municipal Council.
Government has instituted a probe into the ongoing infighting at the Matsapha
Town Council, whose costs will be borne by the council.
Minister Prince Simelane broke the news during a press conference at the
ministry yesterday.
“Having had recourse to the complexity of the challenges that have engulfed
the town council in the due observance and performance of its duties and powers,
I, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, have found it proper that a
commission of enquiry into the Matsapha Town Council affairs be instituted.”
Intervening
He said in the intervening period, as was the norm, council and its
committees’ normal business meetings, including special meetings, were put on
hold until the conclusion of the commission.
“Also worthy of note is that all expenses associated with the proper execution
of the commission are to be borne directly by the local authority.”
The expenses include sitting allowances, place of sitting of the commission,
transcribing services, recording equipment, meals for the commission, stationary
and other incidentals.
Support
The minister requested the office of the CEO to ensure that the commission
received all the necessary support for the proper execution of this assignment.
He said the commissioners’ names and the terms and conditions were to be
revealed in due course.
The minister noted with concern that just before the start of the national
Incwala Ceremony, the ministry delegated an officer in Gordon Mbuli to request
the Matsapha Council to shelve their differences in respect of the national
event.
“However, recent developments taking place at the council have shown that an
amicable settlement at local level was not forthcoming.”
He outlined the responsibilities of the ministry, pointing out the role to
oversee the operation of urban local authorities.
Affairs
“It is common cause that there are 13 urban local authorities in Eswatini and
they are autonomous bodies which manage their own affairs without the
interference of the central government unless such interventions are authorised
by law.”
He said for the past two months the ministry has not done much intervention,
more so because at some point the issues were deliberated by the court of law.
The meeting was attended by councillors from Matsapha.