Eikestad

That is how Alderman Patrick Swartz, Executive Mayor, described the rumours circulating about certain 'positional shifts' in the Municipality's administration.

Swartz lashed out this week against stories that his Executive Mayoral Com?mittee (Mayco) has appointed two new municipal directors and that each Mayco member has been allocated a personal assistant.

These staff changes could cost the municipality millions of rands, were they proven true.

But Swartz, never shy to share his feelings, labels these rumours as 'detestful'.

'It is lies. We have not appointed any new directors. If there is a need, we will look into it. But even then, we will have to follow the official proce?dures and first advertise the positions.'

In his inauguration speech recently, the Mayor emphasized the need for stability in the municipal administration. He also made it clear that

there was no need for any political meddling.

This week he again indicated that there was no need at the present time for the dismissal of any senior municipal workers.

Regarding the seven Mayco members, Swartz said that they re?ceive councillor support and do not have individual assistants.

'The councillor support system has been in place for years now. It was also used in the DA-led Municipality. It is nothing new.'

. Concerns over the fast expanding shacks in Kayamandi have also reached a new level, as the area towards Onder-Papegaaiberg is being flooded with informal settlers.

According to Swartz, 'The ideal would be to get rid of the shacks and provide proper houses, but the informal settlements on Papegaaiberg are actually delaying the housing process.'

He stressed that no time will be spent in court over the illegal settlers, branding it a waste of time and money.

Onder-Papegaaiberg has also not yet been identified as a specific area for housing.

Municipal Law Enforcement have been called out many times to demolish the illegal shacks, but have received strong opposition from the settlers, often resulting in attacks on the officials.