Premer MaQueen Letsoha–Mathae Photo: supplied
The Free State Premier, MaQueen Letsoha–Mathae, visited Matjkhabeng to discuss the many challenges facing the Matjhabeng Local Municipality.
Flanked by MEC Saki Mokoena of the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) and MEC Jabu Mbalula of the Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport on Wednesday 4 September, the Premier called for honesty regarding the challenges facing the municipality. She emphasised to those present that the visit was aimed at resolving challenges at the municipality.
MEC Saki Mokoena Photo: Supplied
“We are not here to fight people, nor to turn a blind eye to an existing problem. What is crystal clear is that there are many challenges in Matjhabeng. We also need to establish why there are so many challenges, but more importantly, find out whether these challenges have been created by officials and the leadership of the municipality for selfish purposes,” Letsoha–Mathae said.
She further encouraged those present to put aside their fears and come forward for the benefit of the people of Matjhabeng.
“We are aware that some of you may feel uncomfortable speaking out for fear of victimisation, but let us not forget that we are here to serve the people; we must overcome that fear. Alternatively, we can have a private conversation because as the leadership of the seventh administration, we have promised the people of our province that we will make service provision a priority,” she said.
- Some of the relevant issues raised during the meeting included: the theft of key water infrastructure; experienced personnel such as civil engineers resigning to seek better jobs elsewhere; a lack of capacity in the Project Management Unit; and) the reappointment of contractors who failed to complete projects.
“It is frustrating because despite asking for transparency, we are getting misleading reports because we know that some contractors who have not completed projects in the past have been appointed to other projects. That is not going to help us because we are here to try to find solutions that can help this municipality,” the prime minister said.
However, it was announced that despite the challenges, progress has been made. Contractors have already been appointed for a total of 34 projects earmarked for the 2023-24 budget year, while 24 projects have been earmarked for the current 2024-25 budget year.
Speaking to media representatives, Mokoena outlined the collaborative intervention efforts across all levels of government to swiftly address the current infrastructure and network challenges in the municipality, in line with the District Development Model approach.
A staggering R2 billion has been set aside to refurbish a wastewater treatment plant, pumping stations and unblock drains – this, over a three-year period. However, immediate interventions have been put in place to ensure that several identified emergencies are resolved immediately.
In order to accelerate and strengthen the work of the municipality, the province has sent engineers from its permanent position to shorten the lead time.
Marti Will
www.news24.com
