Note to editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Mariska Potgieter and Sesotho by Karabo Khakhau MP.
On 31 January 2024, during a Special Council Meeting in Letsemeng Local Municipality, Mayor Bonolo Mockwaledi contradicted the DA’s statement on inadequate service delivery, asserting there were no issues. The DA wishes to remind the Mayor that the residents of all five towns in Letsemeng face significant challenges in vital infrastructure maintenance, hampering service delivery.
Koffiefontein and Jacobsdal wastewater treatment plants are inoperative, leading to severe sewage overflows into the Riet River, streets, and homes. Daily water restrictions plague Jacobsdal, Koffiefontein, Petrusburg, and Luckhoff, with some days having no water at all. Pothole-ridden streets and poorly maintained gravel roads hinder emergency services during rainy seasons.
Sports facilities across Letsemeng demand urgent attention, posing hazards to the youth and sports enthusiasts. Graveyards in all towns are neglected, deterring residents from visiting their departed loved ones. Non-functional street lights increase the risk of criminal activities, while a lack of sanitation services forces some residents to resort to outdated methods.
Refuse and littering are rampant due to a lack of by-laws and proper clean-up programmes. These issues only scratch the surface, as numerous service delivery challenges persist. The impact on the community is profound, with daily hardships affecting the well-being of Letsemeng residents.
We will compile a comprehensive report detailing all problems in Letsemeng and submit it to the Mayor. This proactive step aims to prompt urgent action and accountability. To address these issues, the DA urges the community to take a stand for service delivery by participating in the upcoming National and Provincial Elections. Voting for improved service delivery is the community’s powerful tool in effecting positive change. It’s time for Letsemeng to rise and vote for a better future.