GEORGE NEWS - The existing but dormant George ratepayers association, started in 2009, has been reactivated following a meeting of concerned ratepayers on 10 November last year.
Interim chairperson Juan Barnard says during that meeting it was felt that an independent, non-political ratepayers association, representative of the residents of George, was urgently required.
It was also decided to reactivate the existing association. A working group was established and mandated to investigate all matters and draw up a proposed new constitution whose goals and objectives would embody the needs of the George ratepayers.
This phase has now been completed and a general meeting of all ratepayers within the George municipal borders has been scheduled for 9 March at 18:30 in the Methodist Church Hall in Plantation Street, Glen Barrie.
All ratepayers in George in good standing with the municipality are invited. The meeting will formalise the constitution of the proposed George Ratepayers Association (GRPA) and elect a chairperson, vice-chairperson and other office bearers.
"It would be in the interest of all ratepayers to attend this meeting and set in motion the manner to communicate our needs to the George Council," says Barnard.
He says the GRPA was formed against the background of the increasing pressure for services on the George Municipality as a result of a rapidly expanding population.
Rendering service in the best interests of the ratepayers is totally dependent on the efficiency and willingness of the local government.
"This of course requires a council whose elected members are in sync with the needs and preferences of their ratepayers and are committed to serving the best interests of their constituency without interfering personal interests. Needless to say, it would also require a highly motivated, well-trained and experienced workforce.
"Over time, partly because of the politicising of municipalities and their councils, they and their ratepayers tended to grow apart. This communication gap resulted in ratepayers questioning the service delivery levels, policies and openness of municipal councils.
"As far back as 2009, a group of ratepayers established the George Independent Ratepayers Forum. However, this organisation never gained momentum and became dormant. We hope to be a platform in the best interests of local ratepayers."
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