Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Sesotho soundbites by Cllr Edwin Maliela and image here
The state of service delivery in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, particularly in the townships where uncollected refuse and illegal dumping remain prevalent, is concerning. During the recent election period, the municipality was a hub of activity with road-marking, re-gravelling, and rubbish removal operations, which were clearly part of the ANC’s electioneering campaign. However, post-election, these activities have ceased, and the situation has reverted to its previous, neglected state.
We are also troubled by the misleading reports from officials deployed by the National Treasury and CoGTA Ministries under the Financial Recovery Plan (FRP). These reports falsely claimed outstanding performance in areas such as illegal dumping site removal, which was not the case. Despite this, the National Treasury’s IBER site scored the municipality at 93.50% for the 3rd Quarter, even though Mangaung Metro was ranked the worst-performing metro in South Africa.
With the recent appointment of new HOD’s, starting in December 2023, and the Chief Financial Officer in June 2024, the DA will continue to rigorously hold the municipality accountable. We will ensure adherence to the Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan 2024/2025 and the Financial Recovery Plan. We demand transparent monthly, quarterly, and mid-year reporting from all seven municipal directorates to address these pressing issues and improve the quality of life for all residents of Mangaung.