Knysna's newly appointed municipal manager says she has her work cut out for her.
Lauren Waring, who has been acting municipal manager since last August, was formally appoined to the post on Tuesday following a special council meeting.
In a statement afterwards, Waring said some of her immediate priorities include the customer care and complaints system and restructuring the Knysna municipality's macro structure.
She says another key priority will be reviewing performance management agreements for Directors and rolling out the performance management system to managers in the Garden Route municipality.
"Knysna's economy needs assistance. We all know that past drivers of our economy such as timber, construction and tourism are not as strong as they used to be. We must identify ways to create a dynamic environment that encourages investment and business. Knysna needs to be more than just a tourist town. Experience tells us that this is a fickle industry governed by forces outside of our control, and it cannot be the only industry upon which we depend."
"In terms of good governance, it is our responsibility to create a town which functions reliably and is financially viable. Furthermore we must ensure that all of our actions are legally compliant. We will strive towards excellence and engender a sense of pride amongst officials and residents. I will not hesitate to deal with non-performance or any form of misconduct within this Municipality," said Waring.
"To create a town that is truly inclusive, we will strive to create networks that transcend spatial, racial and class boundaries, whether this be through transport systems, urban and spatial redesign or development of social capital. The topography of Knysna facilitated racial segregation. To overcome this, we must look at strategies and systems that allow us to create an integrated town wherein people can prosper."
Waring acknowledged the support of her colleagues, especially the Directors and the Managers in her Directorate, throughout the previous months.
