Update

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Bitou Mayor Dave Swart received positive remarks from the Plettenberg Bay Ratepayers' Association at a Ward 2 report back meeting last Wednesday 23 August held at the Piesang Valley Community Hall.

Swart spent most of his presentation giving an update on the financial situation of Bitou and was recognised by Ratepayers' Association chairman, Steve Pattinson, for the progress Bitou Municipality has made in getting its finances in order. 

Pattinson said although the year-end financials have not yet been audited, preliminary results indicate a positive recovery in the second half of the year resulting from higher revenue collections and lower expenditure.

"Still a lot more work to be done to return to financial health, but a good start nonetheless." Swart quipped afterwards: "I have been complimented by the ratepayers and today again by the opposition in council: there must be bad weather coming…".

During his address at the Bitou council meeting on Friday 25 August he explained that the municipality embarked on a mission to produce and distribute a newsletter to residents.

This was to clarify any misunderstanding about rates, electricity and refuse removal charges. He urged residents to download the municipality's application for reporting faults - the app can be downloaded on mobile phones. 

"The public is encouraged to use this for efficient reporting of faults to Bitou municipality. In August we introduced a newsletter that accompanies municipal accounts to enable improved communication with accountholders. There is an explanation in this month's newsletter on how to download the app," said Swart.

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