Municipal resources for enhancing communication and Information services

Abstract

This paper examines the norms and standards for using municipal resources. Managing resources forms part of internal procedures. the paper specifically analysis the strategies implemented for upholding municipal employees when using land line telephones the element of communication and information devices and services resources. Many of the local government related matters often address the blatant criminal acts such as theft, bribes, fraud in various forms and manipulation of tendering processes. This study found that misuse of communication and information devices and services resources may seem to be more subtle in nature. Yet, a municipal council remains vulnerable to resource misuse which often leads to significant direct loss to councils and gains to individuals and corporate bodies. Such conduct is unacceptable as it deprives the community whilst paying too much for the quantum and quality of services it is receiving. In this paper the author set out to do three things: the economic impact of resources misuse; the assess the policies; procedures and information and compliance mechanism instigated in regard to resource misuse; and seeks to recommend the methods that can be applied to curtail the dilemmas often encountered by municipal councils. The outcomes of this paper is realised by means of a qualitative analysis and is supported by interviews and a visit to the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality.