Note to editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Hennie van Niekerk and Sesotho by Karabo Khakhau MP.
Daniel van Niekerk Street, like many other streets in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, is in a state of disrepair due to frequent water leakages. Over the past year, an average of six leakages were reported, resulting in significant road surface damage. The primary reason for the lengthy repair times is the lack of resources, with only one operational team and a severe shortage of vehicles in the department.
In early 2023, a major leakage was reported and repaired weeks later. However, just two months after the initial repair, the leakage reoccurred, leading to a large pothole that remained unfixed. By April, the leakage had resurfaced, and it took two months for the municipality to address it. In early June, after a visit with the General Manager of the Water Department, it was promised that a contractor would be sent to fix the leak and repair the surrounding potholes. Despite this assurance, five weeks have passed with no action taken.
Considering that R455 million worth of water was lost in Mangaung last year, the urgency of addressing these issues cannot be overstated. In Ward 26, there are nine other locations where leakages persist or have been fixed, but the resulting holes remain open. Despite visits and inspections, no repairs have been made.
Daniel van Niekerk Street urgently needs repairs as the entire street is now riddled with potholes. The DA calls on the municipality to appoint a contractor immediately to resolve these issues. Failure to act will continue to impact the community, leading to further damage and increased costs.
We will continue to pressure the municipality to allocate necessary resources and appoint a contractor to ensure all reported leakages and potholes are promptly repaired, improving road safety and water conservation in Wilgehof and beyond.