Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Eleanor Quinta and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Ana Motaung.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Maluti-a-Phofung will raise urgent questions in Council to stop the wasteful construction of a new fire station in Harrismith. Instead, the DA will push for the existing station, allegedly closed due to foundation issues, yet with no report ever submitted to Council, and currently misused by an entertainment establishment, to be restored to its original purpose of protecting residents. Notably, a tavern opened there just weeks after the closure.
The ANC-run Maluti-a-Phofung municipality is hell-bent on erecting white elephants at the expense of critical infrastructure. Their priorities focus on projects where cadres can exploit opportunities for looting through the construction mafia.
We are alarmed to learn that, according to an Environmental Impact Study currently underway, a new fire station is planned.
We have been aware for some time that the fire station building has been rented out, although the actual proof of rental payments is questionable.
This still does not justify constructing a new building, as the current station is more than sufficient. The entertainment establishment can simply be notified to vacate the premises, as their rental agreement has expired.
This blatant waste of money cannot be tolerated, especially as Maluti-a-Phofung faces a deep financial crisis. Funds should be prioritised for essential firefighting equipment and vehicles, not modern buildings.
Executive Mayor Malekula Melato will need to explain how this building will be funded, particularly since the municipality is without a Town Planner and a Director of Human Settlements, Spatial Development Planning, and Traditional Affairs, a critical void that should be addressed before any new fire station plans proceed.
The DA will raise this potential pitfall of wasting funds to Executive Mayor Melato in Council and demand the municipality focus its limited resources on priorities such as fire engines and essential equipment.