Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Chris Dalton and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr David Nzunga with images here, here, and here
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Moqhaka Local Municipality will monitor the implementation of the promised cemetery clean-up campaign, while pushing for the immediate deployment and proper supervision of Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and Community Work Programme (CWP) workers to restore accessibility and dignity to these spaces.
The shocking state of cemeteries in Moqhaka has reached a boiling point, with communities calling for urgent action. Following recent rains, accessing loved ones’ graves has become a near-impossible task, with overgrown grass and bush waist-high, making it a distressing experience for families.
The neglect is not only disrespectful but also raises serious concerns about the municipality’s commitment to maintaining these sacred spaces. Families deserve dignity when visiting loved ones, but Moqhaka’s cemeteries are woefully short of it.
However, there’s a glimmer of hope. In council this week, a cleanup campaign was promised, signalling a shift towards proactive maintenance. It’s about time! This comes months after the DA submitted a request to utilise EPWP and CWP workers in a full cleanup campaign for Moqhaka.
Not just sitting under trees with no supervision. We’re ready to work with the municipality to ensure our cemeteries and towns are clean and well-maintained. This would encourage investment and jobs.
The DA welcomes this initiative and looks forward to seeing tangible results. Let’s keep our cemeteries, parks and open spaces clean and maintained.
We call on Moqhaka Local Municipality to follow through on its commitment and ensure regular maintenance becomes the norm rather than the exception.