Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Jan-Hendrik Cronje and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Kabelo Moreeng. See attached pictures here and here.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Mangaung has submitted formal questions to the City Manager in terms of Council Rules and written to the Head of Department for Technical Services, Itumeleng Masobeng, calling for urgent intervention to address the rapidly deteriorating condition of roads in Langenhovenpark and Spitskop.
Numerous streets in these areas have become riddled with potholes and severely damaged road surfaces, posing a significant safety risk to motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians while also placing increased financial strain on residents who must repair vehicles damaged by poor road conditions.
Residents have repeatedly raised concerns about the condition of these roads, yet the municipality has not taken meaningful action.
What is particularly concerning is that residents, community organisations, and private entities have been forced to step in and patch potholes themselves because the municipality has failed to maintain basic road infrastructure. While these community efforts are commendable, they are not a sustainable solution and cannot replace the municipality’s responsibility.
Langenhovenpark is one of the most densely populated residential suburbs in Mangaung and contributes significantly to the municipality’s rate base. Residents of Spitskop are facing similar challenges with deteriorating infrastructure. Ratepayers deserve well-maintained infrastructure and reliable service delivery in return.
The DA calls on the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality to urgently conduct a full assessment of all roads in Langenhovenpark and Spitskop and to implement a comprehensive resurfacing programme. Patching potholes is no longer sufficient; many roads have deteriorated to the point that complete resurfacing is required.
It is time for residents to vote for a government that will work for the people, not one that continues to feed off the people while basic services deteriorate.
Residents deserve safe roads, accountable governance, and responsible management of their rates. The DA will continue to hold the municipality accountable until the necessary repairs and upgrades are implemented.