Makana Municipality's plans to build 216 houses in Alicedale are ready to roll – all but for a matter of the crucial R1.2 million they need for a new reservoir to supply the houses with water. This was one of the hot topics on the agenda for Monday 13 August special council meeting.

Makana Municipality's plans to build 216 houses in Alicedale are ready to roll – all but for a matter of the crucial R1.2 million they need for a new reservoir to supply the houses with water. This was one of the hot topics on the agenda for Monday 13 August special council meeting.

During his recent video interview with Grocott's Mail, Executive Mayor Zamuxolo Peter commented that during a recent visit to Alicedale, the Department of Human Settlements had given the municipality the go-ahead for the project.

A site for a new reservoir was identified as far back as 2008, according to a report included in yesterday's agenda, but it was located on state land. The land was still awaiting transfer to Makana Municipality.

Further stalling progress on the project was sourcing of the R1.2m for the new reservoir – an upgrade not yet included in the municipality's Integrated Development Plan. Also on the agenda was the appointment of members for Makana's audit committee after two of its three members resigned.

Salary and wage increases were up for discussion, with the acting municipal manager asking Council's approval for a salary increment of 6.5% for municipal employees other than Section 56/57 employees, in accordance with the South African Local Government Association's recent agreement with unions.

This would be effective from the beginning of last month and would remain in force until 30 June 2015. Commenting on the proposal, as recorded in the agenda, the acting chief financial officer said, In general, a 6% increase in salary related expenditure… was provided for in the 2012/2013 budget.

Another item on the agenda was an application by a Mrs NH Habana, who applied on behalf of the Makana Business Trust to purchase a portion of erven 4807 Rini to develop a shopping complex.

According to a report in yesterday's agenda this land was leased by council to the Makana Goat Farmers' Co-operative and Village Trust from November 2006.

It was recommended the 50ha portion be sold to Makana Business Trust to develop a shopping complex.

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