Note to editors: Please find attached English, Sesotho and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Dalena Dennis.
The slow deterioration of the standard of living for the residents of Batho and adjacent neighbourhoods is directly linked to the poor and delayed maintenance of infrastructure by the Mangaung Metro Municipality.
The once well-maintained Johnson Bendile Stadium in Ward 1 has now become a barely usable sports facility. The ablution facilities are destroyed, forcing residents to use the dilapidated facilities at the soccer field. In the past, Mangaung Metro rented out the stadium, which brought a steady income for the Metro.
In Botshabelo, the Boxing Arena is another facility that has become dilapidated. Year after year, funds are allocated in the Budget for the necessary upgrading of the Arena, but no action has been taken to date, and the funds are transferred elsewhere. Masekane Sports field, Ramkraal Prison, Klein Makasa Hall, and Hero’s Park are more examples of the deterioration occurring in communities across Mangaung.
Most of these places have become illegal dumping sites where dogs and cattle roam to find food. Residents set fire to these sites because the Metro does not collect the refuse. Water leaks and overflowing sewers are the norm, and residents report these issues daily but wait for days and weeks for the Metro. This causes unhealthy conditions for residents. The streets are littered with rubbish heaps and potholes.
The DA will compile a list of venues and sites that need urgent maintenance and submit it to the Executive Mayor, Municipal Manager, and the Council. The deterioration of sites across the municipality has left residents with few options as their complaints and reports go unanswered. The DA aims to hold the Metro accountable for providing basic services to its residents.