Note to editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Willie Theunissen and Sesotho by Karabo Khakhau MP.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Dihlabeng Local Municipality is concerned over the substantial financial losses incurred due to deteriorating infrastructure. A town’s infrastructure is pivotal for enticing investments, fostering employment, and ensuring growth.
The ANC-led municipality must uphold their responsibility to maintain infrastructure. Failure to do so poses severe risks to investments. Investors, both local and foreign, seek stable and predictable environments for their financial allocations. Unreliable infrastructure generates uncertainty, deterring potential investments. When roads crumble, power supply falters, and communication networks fail, businesses suffer. Transportation costs rise due to poor roads, power outages disrupt operations, and inadequate communication networks cause delays and diminished productivity. These additional expenses decrease the appeal of a municipality for potential investments. Please see pictures here, here, here, here and here.
Residents’ lives are adversely affected by the lack of proper public utilities, sanitation systems, water shortages, and unreliable public transportation. The declining quality of life prompts skilled workers to seek opportunities elsewhere, hindering businesses from attracting and retaining talent.
Furthermore, insufficient infrastructure maintenance portrays that government lacks a commitment to long-term development. Investors highly value a stable, supportive environment. The absence of maintenance can signal a lack of dedication to fostering a conducive business atmosphere, further deterring potential investments. Consequently, the community suffers from a declining quality of life, triggering a talent drain, further crippling local businesses.
The DA has submitted a letter to the Municipal Manager and Mayor, demanding immediate answers regarding the crumbling infrastructure of the municipality. We are committed to ensuring the maintenance of vital infrastructure within our governance and will prioritise this initiative, especially in the Free State where we aim to lead.