GEORGE NEWS - George and Mossel Bay municipalities are investigating the possibility of becoming a metropolitan municipality. The rapid expansion of both towns is given as one of the main reasons why forming a metro might be a good idea.
A resolution taken in the George council on 3 April gave the municipal manager, Trevor Botha, the go-ahead to enter discussions with Mossel Bay Municipality.
He may also enter an agreement concerning the supply chain management process needed for the appointment of a consultant. "These discussions will then lead to clearly defined roles and responsibilities and clarity regarding the costs of appointing such a consultant," said Botha.
Mossel Bay requested that the two municipalities split the cost. Should George and Mossel Bay become a metro, residents will pay less for service delivery.
Botha says the establishment of a metro will undoubtedly derive economic benefits to government as it "exploits economies of scale which will result in reduction of costs of service delivery due to, amongst others, centralisation and integration of systems.
Financial and administrative resources will be shared and distributed within the metropolitan area to ensure equity and social justice. Strategic land-use planning will be promoted. A city-wide framework for economic and social development will be developed, thereby enhancing the competitiveness and well-being of the city."
Mossel Bay Municipality tabled an item before their council on 22 February last year to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced consultant to undertake such an investigation.
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