MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Mossel Bay Municipal manager Colin Puren was welcomed back to office on Tuesday, 11 June, after being away on sick leave from the end of April.

Director Dick Naidoo (Infrastructure Services Department) was the acting municipal manager during Puren's absence.

Puren was injured when he fell at his home. He received a warm welcome back at the municipality from staff members.

He had had surgery to his neck and it was required that he had a recovery period of seven weeks, the municipality noted.

"A sincere thank you to Director Naidoo for staying the course during a trying period, involving the provincial and national elections, as well as standing in for me during several municipal council meetings," said Puren.

"I also thank every person who took the time to wish me well on my road to recovery. A particular word of thanks to my family for their loving support and care and the council for its sincere interest in my wellbeing. 

"I am exceedingly grateful to my heavenly Father for the grace He has given me to heal and return to work.

"It is a blessing and a privilege to serve the community of Mossel Bay and on my return to office, I can assure you this will remain my intention and focus - to serve with excellence - until I leave public service at the end of my career."

On his return, Puren also mentioned council's approval of the 2024/25 budget.

"We are looking back on a challenging year and as we approach the start of the new financial year, starting 1 July, I thank our ratepayers for their tangible support.

"To the municipal officials, you have my greatest appreciation for your commitment and hard work in striving for excellent service delivery to all communities in the greater Mossel Bay area."

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