Note to editors: Please find attached the English soundbite by Cllr Richard Khumalo, Sesotho by Cllr Moshe Lefuma and Afrikaans by Cllr Bea Campbell-Cloete.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Maluti-A-Phofung Local Municipality has raised concerns over the ongoing neglect of road maintenance within the municipality. Despite highlighting this issue in the 2023/2024 financial year, the municipality continues to overlook essential road maintenance and basic service delivery.
According to the final Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for the 2024/2025 financial year, the municipality plans to focus on three capital road projects, covering only five wards. These projects include the construction of a 3 km Makwane paved road for R3.2 million, the construction of a 3 km Qoqolosing paved road and stormwater drainage (Phase 1) for R3.5 million, and the construction of the Monontsha footbridge for R3.4 million.
Surprisingly, all these projects are based in QwaQwa, with no plans for Harrismith, Kestell, Intabazwe, or Tshiame.
While these projects are important, the DA believes that the municipality is doing insufficient work on road maintenance. It is high time to prioritise basic service delivery issues, such as road maintenance. Potholes are a major issue in the municipality and require urgent attention.
The DA insists that the IDP addresses these issues before its approval. The party will continue to raise concerns about neglected road maintenance and the fixing of potholes in Maluti-A-Phofung until the ANC-led coalition recognises it as a serious issue facing the municipality.