Note to editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Marié la Cock and Sesotho by Jafta Mokoena MPL.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ngwathe Local Municipality will submit a formal report to the council identifying all areas in need of rehabilitation and will demand immediate action to rectify the municipality’s persistent failure to restore areas in Parys following essential repairs to water pipes and electricity cables. Numerous streets and pavements have been left in disrepair, causing safety hazards and significant inconvenience for the community.
Residents report that while these repairs are necessary to maintain essential services, the municipality consistently neglects to properly rehabilitate the affected areas afterward. As a result, large potholes, uneven surfaces, and scattered debris are left behind, transforming previously well-maintained roads and sidewalks into hazardous zones.
While we recognise the necessity of these repairs, it is the municipality’s responsibility to ensure that all work is completed to standard, including the restoration of areas disturbed during maintenance. It is unacceptable for our streets to remain in such a condition.
The lack of proper rehabilitation not only creates an eyesore but also poses serious safety risks, particularly for children and the elderly. The community urgently calls upon the municipality to address this issue and guarantee that all future repair works include appropriate restoration. To date, local authorities have not responded to these concerns, leaving residents uncertain as to when the situation will be resolved.
We remain committed to holding the municipality accountable and ensuring that proper standards are upheld for the safety and well-being of our community.