Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Jan-Hendrik Cronje and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Kabelo Moreeng.
The Democratic Alliance in Mangaung is sounding the alarm over the accelerating collapse of critical infrastructure in Langenhovenpark. Over the past months, residents have reported an unprecedented surge in service-delivery failures, including overflowing sewerage, continuous water leakages, forming sinkholes, worsening potholes, and the overall deterioration of road and stormwater systems.
These failures are no longer isolated incidents; they are symptoms of a suburb whose infrastructure has exceeded maximum capacity.
Langenhovenpark has grown significantly in population, yet Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality has made no meaningful upgrades to the essential services that support this community.
The situation has now reached a crisis point.
In response, the DA has submitted a formal Rule 38 question to the Mangaung City Manager, demanding answers on:
- When a complete and comprehensive infrastructure investigation will be conducted;
- The Municipality’s awareness of the current infrastructure overload and population pressure;
- What immediate interventions will be taken to address the backlog of sewer, water, and road failures?
- What long-term plans and budget allocations exist to upgrade infrastructure in Langenhovenpark, and
- Which municipal officials are responsible for monitoring infrastructure limits and ensuring proactive maintenance?
Residents of Langenhovenpark are paying rates and taxes for services they are simply not receiving. The continued failures pose serious health and safety risks, damage property, disrupt daily life, and undermine economic activity.
It is unacceptable that one of the fastest-growing suburbs in Mangaung is being neglected to this extent.
The DA will continue to hold the municipality accountable and will keep residents informed of the City Manager’s response. Langenhovenpark deserves reliable infrastructure, proper planning, and responsible governance, not crisis management and excuses.