Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Johan Spaski Geldenhuis.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Moqhaka has formally written to the Municipal Manager to seek urgent clarity and intervention regarding reported fuel and chemical shortages, which are severely disrupting service delivery and placing communities at risk. These reported shortages have already led to delays in essential municipal services, leaving residents without reliable access to basic services and increasing frustration and hardship.
Since Friday, 13 March, employees have reported fuel shortages for service vehicles, severely hampering the municipality’s ability to deliver essential services. This has reportedly resulted in delays and disruptions across various departments, directly impacting communities.
We call on the municipality to urgently confirm the accuracy of these reports. Residents deserve clear answers on what has caused these shortages, the current status of the fuel supply tender, and who is accountable for managing what should be a long-term, properly planned contract.
In addition, since 17 March, further alarming reports have emerged of chemical shortages at the municipal treatment plant. Upon inquiry, the DA was redirected between officials, with the Portfolio Head of Technical Services advising that questions be directed to the Acting Municipal Manager and the Chief Financial Officer. This lack of accountability is unacceptable.
We therefore request urgent clarity on:
- Whether the reported fuel and chemical shortages are accurate;
- The reasons behind these shortages;
- The status of the tender for the supply of treatment chemicals; and
- Who is responsible for overseeing this critical long-term contract?
These failures have led to significant service delivery breakdowns, yet the municipality has issued no official communication to inform or reassure residents.
The DA is deeply concerned that the Moqhaka Municipality is edging toward administrative collapse. The continued failure to appoint a permanent Municipal Manager over the past four years has created instability at the highest level of governance, with officials now seemingly more focused on shifting blame than resolving urgent issues.
Leadership must take responsibility. Residents cannot continue to suffer due to poor planning, lack of accountability, and ineffective governance.