Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
With reference to requests received by my office from community members of Hanover Park who allege that they are unable to get satisfactory responses to their questions from the ward councillor (the question is posed in terms of section 152 of the Constitution):
(1) Whether the following projects have been implemented: (a) Urban Agriculture Equipment (CPX.0018279-F1), (b) Hanover Park Civic – Sports and Recreation Equipment (WPX.0012284), (c) Youth Entrepreneur Programme (WPX.0012284) (d) Multi-activity Market (WPX.0011549) and (e) Life Count Programme (WPX.0012722); if so, (i) what are the details of the projects, (ii) where have these projects been implemented and (iii) which organisations have been identified to roll out or implement the programmes or projects;
(2) whether the organisations in 1(iii) above are compliant with all procurement and legislative obligations; if so, what are the relevant details?
This question relates to the affairs of the City of Cape Town. The City of Cape Town maintains that parliamentary questions are intended to hold the executive accountable for their official decisions and actions and cannot be used to hold local government accountable for its decisions and actions.
The City of Cape Town further maintains that the Executive Mayor and City Manager are accountable to the City Council for the exercise of their duties, not to the Provincial Parliament.
There is no statutory provision that requires the City of Cape Town to provide information relating to or answers to parliamentary questions. Given the position taken by the City of Cape Town, the above question cannot be replied to at this stage.
A legal opinion has been sought on the position taken by the City of Cape Town.
