Note to Editors: Please find attached English soundbite by Cllr Richard Khumalo, Afrikaans soundbite by Cllr Eleanor Quinta, and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Paseka Mokoena. See attached pictures here and here.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Maluti-A-Phofung Local Municipality is calling for a thorough assessment of properties earmarked for transfer by the municipality to the Free State Provincial Government. The DA has taken note of a letter dated 15 November 2024, addressed to the municipality by the Head of Department (HOD) of Free State Public Works and Infrastructure.
The letter requests a council resolution to facilitate the transfer of specific municipal properties to the Free State Provincial Government, in accordance with the Government Immovable Asset Management Act, 2007 (Act 19 of 2007).
It is essential to determine whether these properties require transfer, as some may not require transfer but rather continued use by relevant provincial departments, with the understanding that all municipal services rendered will be paid for accordingly.
During our oversight visits, the DA observed serious concerns at key facilities. In the case of Lesedi Clinic, the facility’s continued inoperability has left residents with limited access to healthcare services and constitutes a violation of their constitutional right to healthcare.
Similarly, the prolonged closure of the Intabazwe Public Library has severely restricted residents’ access to educational opportunities. The unused building is also at risk of vandalism and being used to harbour criminal activity, further undermining community safety.
We have engaged with the relevant departments to ensure these properties are properly maintained and utilised effectively. Having done this groundwork, we believe the time has now come for the Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality to conduct comprehensive assessments of these properties and move decisively towards transferring those that qualify to the Provincial Government.
We therefore request the Municipal Manager to expedite the assessment process to ensure that community needs are prioritised and that service delivery, particularly in healthcare and education, is not compromised.
The DA remains committed to holding the municipality accountable for efficient, transparent, and effective governance, and looks forward to a swift and responsible resolution of this matter.