LOUIS TRICHARDT – In open defiance of the MEC for Local Government and Housing, the Makhado Municipal Council decided this week to continue with its irregular action regarding telephone allowances.

Several other directives by the MEC to correct irregularities before the end of March are similarly sidestepped in a resolution contained in the minutes confirmed by Council this week.

In the process tension between the political and administrative sections in the municipality became more apparent.

A stern directive from the MEC about irregular subsidising of councillors' vehicles and transport and telephone allowances, were hastily withdrawn from the previous monthly meeting's agenda.

In the minutes of that meeting, which had to be confirmed by council during this month's meeting, the issue once again appears under the heading: Finances: Allowances and Benefits: Municipal Councillors: Directive: MEC for Local Government and Housing.

A remark, added to the minutes, states: "Although this matter was not formally presented to Council for consideration, the Executive Committee requested that the following be recorded as their official conclusion and instruction to the administrative component: That the item be withdrawn from the agenda and that the Mayor proceed to on behalf of the political component of the Executive Committee enter into urgent discussions with the MEC.

"That the payment of telephone allowances to councillors proceed uninterrupted as already authorised by existing Council Resolution A.443,30.10.01.

"That the Municipal Manager and administration forthwith submit all directives issued by higher government authorities to the Council for consideration before any of its contents is implemented on administrative level."

The allowances and benefits fiasco erupted after Council arrogantly refused to follow the advice of its officials and of an expert from an auditors firm.