Firstly,
allow me to use this opportunity to once again offer the ACDP's sincere
condolences to the loved ones of those people who lost their lives last
week.
Mr Speaker, human lives have lost! This is an extremely
expensive price to pay and an abrupt wake-up call for this ANC- led
Municipality. As its custodian, this Council is therefor directly
implicated, as these buildings are owned & managed by us.
What
has the Mayor & her Committee done to rectify the mismanagement? A
few examples are the Housing Company Tshwane, which is responsible for
the management of this building; and received a disclaimer on its
Financial Statements at the previous review.
Sir, the ACDP submits to this Council that this disaster could and should have been avoided!
How
can a responsible local authority allow the buildings to deteriorate to
such an extent that the lifts have not been working for many months
& even elderly have to walk up & down 32 flights of stairs. It
has now come to light that the Fire Extinguishing Equipment was not
functioning!
How can this Municipality allow tenants to live
in its buildings without paying for years & then be surprised that
they object & resist being evicted? By saying that, we are not
condoning the actions of those who started the fire. They need to face
the full brunt of the law.
A key principle of enforcing law
& order is to firstly apply one's own laws & thereby set a good
example. Secondly, one has to act speedily or run the risk of implying
that the unacceptable becomes acceptable.
We agree with the plans to renovate the buildings, but only if acceptable accommodate is found for the existing tenants.
We
would also like to give credit to the emergency services of the
Municipality, SAPS & SANDF amongst others. They did a sterling job
and helped avoid further loss of life & damage to property.
This
issue stands in stark contrast with another event which took place in
the City on Saturday 19 July. An event of great hope, of immense
significance - Loftus for Jesus - which saw 71'000 people uniting in
prayer and worship.
Let's find workable solutions for the many problems we face in humble submission to Almighty God.
I thank you.
Richard Dinkelmann ACDP Councillor & Caucus Leader 083 263 2664