Inaction over Splash Festival inexcusable

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WITH two weeks until Easter, there has been no further news on who will be awarded the tender to host the annual Splash Festival.

Splash is an annual event that attracts thousands of tourists to Nelson Mandela Bay. It appears likely that it may not take place for the first time in 23 years.

The complete disregard for the residents, service providers as well as the thousands of tourists who will descend on Nelson Mandela Bay over Easter is disgraceful.

The political infighting in Nelson Mandela Bay has produced uncertainty and increased inefficiency within the administration, leading to poor service delivery across the board.

The standing committee on sports, arts, recreation and culture is responsible for the festival. This committee has not completed a full sitting since November. Failure to convene regular committee meetings leads to councillors being unable to perform their oversight role effectively so as to ensure that events like the Splash Festival are properly organised.

We must ensure that Nelson Mandela Bay is promoted as a world class city for our residents and tourists by hosting world-class events.

This lack of planning for an event that takes place at the same time every year reflects either gross incompetence or a complete disregard for the city.

The persons responsible for this debacle would do well to remember that failing to plan is planning to fail – and for this they must be held accountable.