Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Linda Louwrens and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Sepatala Chabalala.
The DA in Moqhaka will submit proposals and engage the municipality to ensure that land is earmarked in Koekoe Village for a clinic, school and police station, while also urging the municipality to engage provincial and national government to secure funding for these essential services.
Without land being set aside and the relevant departments being engaged, residents of Wards 4, 5 and 6 will continue to travel long distances for healthcare, education and policing, placing additional strain on families and the community.
We call on the municipality to:
- Revisit the registered essential needs of Koekoe Village residents on the Integrated Development Plan and pursue the registered needs that fall under the jurisdiction of National and Provincial Government.
- Engage with the National and Provincial Sphere of government to ensure that a budget for a school, clinic and police station is made available for residents of Koekoe Village.
- Earmark the land available in Wards 4, 5, and 6 of Koekoe Village where these services can be structured and built, and inform the National Government.
- Prioritise the essential needs of the community and ensure that no one is left behind to suffer in matters of health, safety and education.
The DA believes these are not simply buildings; they are essential community infrastructure, and the Government must therefore prioritise these services, especially in growing communities, as this can bring healthcare closer to residents, reduce long travel distances for learners, and improve access to policing and emergency assistance.
We advocate for empowering municipalities to fight crime directly, equipping municipal clinics with meaningful resources, and reducing the number of school dropouts.