Note to Editors: Please find attached English soundbite by Cllr Thabo Nthapo, Afrikaans soundbite by Cllr Mariska Potgieter and Sesotho soundbite by David Masoeu MPL.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) will write to the Municipal Manager and the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) Manager in Letsemeng Municipality to request an open, transparent and inclusive IDP process that ensures equitable service delivery to all residents. For too long, service provision in Letsemeng has failed to benefit all communities equally, leaving many towns in deteriorating conditions and residents frustrated by the municipality’s inability to maintain basic infrastructure.
We will push for broader public participation so that all residents have the opportunity to contribute to the municipality’s planning and development priorities.
The DA will also push for all IDP-related information to be published and made available in public spaces across the municipality. We will also utilise community WhatsApp groups and other communication platforms to ensure residents are properly informed and invited to attend IDP meetings.
For many years, the primary contributors to Letsemeng’s municipal revenue have been residents living in the town. Despite this, the provision of services in these areas has become an enormous concern. Several towns across Letsemeng are facing unacceptable living conditions due to the municipality’s ongoing failure to maintain and repair essential infrastructure.
Residents regularly face serious challenges, including sewer leaks, dilapidated roads, dark streets, leaking water infrastructure, and frequent power outages. These persistent failures not only disrupt daily life but also pose health risks, damage property and negatively affect economic activity in the towns.
The DA is deeply concerned that the ANC-led municipality has, over the years, prioritised certain areas rather than ensuring equitable service delivery across the municipality. This approach undermines the constitutional principles of fairness and equality and ultimately harms communities that contribute significantly to the municipality’s revenue but receive little in return.
The prioritisation of certain locations has also not proven effective. In several instances, projects remain incomplete or poorly implemented, while communities continue to experience declining service standards. This is particularly evident in the Phambili settlement, where municipal interventions have failed to deliver meaningful, lasting improvements.
Sewer infrastructure remains a major challenge in Letsemeng, with sewage frequently overflowing in several towns.
Numerous water leaks reported by residents remain unaddressed. The municipality’s failure to respond promptly results in unnecessary water losses and further strains the already fragile water infrastructure.
In Luckhoff, residents have also raised concerns about trees interfering with electricity infrastructure and causing power outages. These outages highlight the municipality’s failure to conduct routine maintenance and to manage municipal infrastructure proactively.
The DA believes the only sustainable solution is a transparent, participatory planning process.
We aim to ensure that municipal resources are allocated fairly and that all residents of Letsemeng receive the services they deserve.