GEORGE NEWS - The R47,2-million grant from National Treasury is safe and sound and staying in George. The money is for the upgrade of a portion of the Nelson Mandela Boulevard in Thembalethu and construction started in September.

George Mayor Melvin Naik received the good news in a letter from National Treasury last Thursday afternoon. 

This followed after the roll-over of the grant to the current financial year was initially rejected by Treasury. 

An appeal from George Municipality was favourably considered and the roll-over has now been approved.

Opposition parties are relieved that the money is secure, but raised their concern that such a situation was ever allowed to occur.

Bazil Petrus of the South African Civils (Sac) welcomed the news, but still demands answers. 

"This could have had a major impact on the community. It caused friction and can't be ignored. We hope that such a situation will be prevented in the future."

Virgill Gericke, leader of the Plaaslike Besorgde Inwoners (PBI), thanked National Treasury for the intervention. 

ANC Councillor Langa Langa says almost losing such a big grant should signal a big warning to the DA municipality.

"However, we feel the officials have brought the reputation of the municipality in disrepute by not meeting the deadlines and spending the grants on time," said Gericke. 

"This is not the first time that grants to this municipality are cancelled. Just last year a grant of R40-million was cancelled by the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements. This is adversely effecting service delivery to the citizens of George."

ANC Councillor Langa Langa says it is a great relief. "The idea of losing such a big grant is most concerning. It should signal a really big warning to the DA municipality. 

"We need to be very careful about how we do things and heed the conditions as stipulated by National Government."

Adv Gert van Niekerk of the Freedom Front Plus is convinced the funds were secured because of intervention at higher level.

Adv Gert van Niekerk of the Freedom Front Plus said although his party is glad the money has been secured, he is convinced it is not because of George Municipality's capability, but because of intervention at a higher level. 

"A contract of almost R50-million was signed with a contractor, well knowing that the regulations of treasury have not been met."

• In their approval letter to the George Municipality, National Treasury conclude that an amount of R9,5-million remains unspent in respect of the Integrated National Electrification Programme and that the amount must be repaid to the National Revenue Fund. 

South African Civils Councillor Bazil Petrus asks why the situation occurred in the first place.

In the letter the municipality is "once again reminded to properly disclose conditional grants in the Annual Financial Statement as stated in the Municipal Finance Management Act Budget Circular No. 79".

Read related articles:

• George council fights for grant
• R50-million down the drain
• A year of road works awaits Thembalethu
• Nelson Mandela Boulevard upgrade long overdue
• 'Bulldozed' by Boulevard

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