Note to editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Riëtte Dell and Sesotho by Jafta Mokoena MPL with pictures here, here, here, and here
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Setsoto Local Municipality has called for immediate intervention to address safety hazards and structural issues in the Bloem Street stormwater and road construction project. Raised at the recent council meeting on 30 October 2024, the DA highlighted critical lapses that compromise residents’ safety and the long-term viability of local infrastructure.
Our findings show the project site is plagued by open trenches, unsecured materials, and inadequate barriers, leaving residents—especially pedestrians—exposed to serious risks. This level of neglect is unacceptable and calls for a swift response to secure the area and mitigate further hazards.
The timeline of the project has raised additional concerns. Originally delayed due to heavy rains in 2020 and contractor issues, this project has stalled yet again. The municipality indicated the current contractor holds the necessary Construction Industry Development Board grading of 7 CE and has demonstrated previous relevant experience. However, given the history of incomplete work, the DA demands an updated and reliable completion schedule, backed by guarantees that appropriate weatherproofing and insurance measures are in place.
Bloem Street, a main route for cross-border traffic to Lesotho and a vital corridor for heavy trucks, remains in a precarious state, causing ongoing frustration and hardship for the community. The failure to deliver on this essential project reflects a broader disregard for the residents’ welfare, undermining confidence in local governance.
Moreover, allegations that secondhand water pipes may have been installed raise concerns about the quality of materials used. The DA calls on the municipality to confirm the standard of all materials, ensuring they meet regulated requirements.
Finally, the DA insists on transparency concerning the financial aspects of the project. With a project value of R17,096,495.25 and R5,444,582.07 spent to date—of which R2,379,361.80 covers materials procured through cessions, R1,681,350.23 was paid directly to the contractor, and R1,383,870.04 to the consultant—residents deserve a clear breakdown of costs and allocations.
The DA reaffirms its commitment to advocating for accountability and transparency in this critical project. We urge the municipality to act swiftly and responsibly, ensuring that Bloem Street is completed safely and to a high standard for the benefit of all community members.