Note to editors: Please find attached English and Sesotho soundbites by Cllr Thabang Rankoe.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Metsimaholo Local Municipality is deeply concerned about the ongoing lack of street lighting in the towns of Deneysville, Oranjeville, and Sasolburg.
When the council approved the 2023/2024 budget, an allocation of R2 million was specifically set aside for the maintenance and repair of streetlights and high-mast lights in these towns. However, shortly after the budget’s approval, the electrical department began work on the streetlights in Sasolburg, particularly along Eric Louw Street. The department laid cables from pole to pole, yet abruptly halted their work, leaving the cables hanging and the lights unfixed.
Residents have raised concerns about the safety implications of incomplete street lighting, especially in high-traffic areas. The municipality must assure residents that they will investigate the reasons for the sudden halt in work and must provide updates on when repairs will resume.
It has now been over three months since these cables were left exposed, posing a significant risk to public safety. The DA is concerned that, if left unattended, the cables could be stolen, leading to further vandalism of public infrastructure. This negligence not only threatens the community’s safety but also represents irregular and wasteful expenditure.
The DA is committed to taking immediate action by engaging with the relevant department and the Office of the Municipal Manager to demand answers and accountability. We believe this intervention is crucial to ensuring the safety of the community, protecting our infrastructure, and restoring the dignity of our towns.