Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Anelia Smit and Sesotho soundbite by Jafta Mokoena MPL. See attached pictures here, here, and here.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Nketoana will escalate the severe neglect identified at the Reitz Public Library and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development offices to the provincial level, calling for urgent intervention by the Department of Public Works to restore these facilities.
DA councillors Thinus Blignaut and Anelia Smit, together with David Masoeu MPL, conducted an oversight visit to the Reitz Public Library as well as the offices of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
During the visit to the library, it was found that the premises and building are in a severely neglected condition. The grass was very long, and it was clear that no maintenance or repair work had been done for some time. Paint is peeling off, the gutters are hanging loose, and grass is even growing out of them. The paving around the building is also overgrown with weeds.
Residents of the town regularly step in to cut the grass themselves because the library is located on the main street, and the property’s condition damages the town’s image. Trees planted by residents have also been stolen or removed due to inadequate security.
At the Department of Agriculture offices, similar problems were observed. The grass was waist-high, and the building also showed clear signs of neglect, with loose gutters and peeling paint in several areas. Although the visit took place during office hours, the department was closed.
Further investigation revealed that the offices contain modern equipment that has not been used for approximately three years because electricity was disconnected due to non-payment. The offices are also located within a residential area of Reitz, which may not comply with the town’s establishment conditions.
The DA will continue to pursue this matter with the relevant authorities to ensure compliance, restore the facilities’ functionality, and safeguard public assets for the benefit of the community.