The Oversight’s Committee meeting held in Humansdorp yesterday was an ‘old news event’.
The meeting was at least 10 months late owing to the elections and other factors, but it had to held. Some in attendance were surprised that they were expected to comment on the figures in Kouga Municipality’s annual report for 2009/10.
Only 11 people were in the audience including the media. 14 committee members (made of both ANC and DA political representatives) were present, including St Francis Bay’s Ian Fynn.
The chair requested that most of the questions which demanded detailed explanation be submitted in writing where the Oversight Committee would then consider and revert in writing. Kobus van Niekerk had submitted 11 written questions which he was told would be answered in writing. The J-Bay RA offered to put the questions and responses up on the website.
It was stressed that this was not the actual annual report but a discussion document. The purpose of the meeting was to include the concerns of the community in the oversight report.
Trevor Watkins , chairman of the Jeffreys Bay Residents’ Association recommended the municipality appoint residents of Kouga to serve on the Audit committee – currently all four members do not reside in the district. Further they should be required to meet regularly on schedule, should be appropriately qualified and independent. The chair agreed that this was a fair comment.
Oversight Committee meetings are not open to the public but two members of the public sit on the committee (including Ian Fynn). It was recommended that members of the public should be able to attend working oversight committee meetings and the chair agreed to put forward the recommendation.
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