Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Estie Senekal and Sesotho soundbite by David Masoeu MPL. See attached pictures here, here, here and here.
The DA will track and escalate Dihlabeng’s outstanding Community Services matters to the Municipal Manager and political leadership to ensure that service delivery responsibilities continue despite the approaching election. With only a few weeks remaining before the election, residents cannot be left without action on issues affecting their daily lives.
As a DA councillor serving on the Section 80 Committee for Community Services, I regularly raise concerns about solid waste, traffic, fire services, disaster management, parks, cemeteries, libraries, sport, and public facilities.
Yet obtaining feedback, decisions and meaningful action from responsible directors and municipal management has become increasingly difficult. The issue is not a lack of communication from our side. We send emails, send WhatsApp messages, request meetings, and propose practical solutions.
In too many instances, however, there is little or no response.
Outstanding matters include:
- The ongoing traffic problem at Mortimer Toyota
- Unresolved problems at Wessels Park
- The deteriorating condition of the cemetery, and a stakeholder’s offer to replace a damaged roof at no
cost to the municipality, which still awaits approval.
- The Wolhuterskop matter has also been formally submitted to the Mayor, with supporting documentation, to obtain clarity and action.
Compounding the situation, the Section 80 Committee for Community Services has not met for several months because members of other political parties have not attended, preventing a quorum. This situation is unacceptable and cannot continue.
The DA will:
- Formally track and follow up all outstanding Community Services matters;
- Escalate unanswered matters to the Municipal Manager and political leadership.
- Continue pressing for properly functioning Section 80 meetings where officials can be held accountable.
The year is not over. The problems have not disappeared. Municipal responsibility cannot be placed on hold because an election is approaching.
The residents of Dihlabeng deserve responsive leadership, clear decisions and action, every day of the year.