By Riëtte Dell – DA Councillor Setsoto Municipality
Note to editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Riëtte Dell and Sesotho soundbite by Jafta Mokoena MPL
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Setsoto Local Municipality calls for immediate corrective action to resolve the failures of the Bloem Street rehabilitation project, a vital transport corridor connecting to Lesotho. The DA is committed to ensuring the safety of residents, financial transparency, and the timely completion of this critical infrastructure.
Since the termination of the contractor in December, Bloem Street has been left in a hazardous state. Open trenches and unsecured materials pose significant risks to residents and pedestrians. This negligence is unacceptable and demands urgent intervention.
The Municipal Manager has confirmed that a consultant is drafting a comprehensive rehabilitation plan. The municipality has also committed to re-advertising the tender to ensure the project is assigned to a competent contractor. However, concerns remain regarding safety measures, timelines, and allegations of substandard materials being used, such as secondhand water pipes.
We are pushing for the Setsoto Municipality to expedite the implementation of the rehabilitation plan developed by the appointed consultant. This includes ensuring proper oversight, safety measures, and adherence to infrastructure standards. The DA will also monitor the re-advertisement of the tender to secure a qualified contractor capable of delivering quality work on time.