A delegation from the DA Mangaung Caucus met with the city municipal manager (MM) of the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, Sello More, on Thursday, 8 February to address persistent service delivery challenges.
Hardie Viviers, DA Caucus Leader in the Mangaung Metro, says the purpose of the meeting was to foster solutions and improvements for the benefit of the community.
He said the meeting addressed various service delivery issues, including water supply, stormwater repair and management, road maintenance and repair, pothole repairs, bridge maintenance, specifically the Lelie-Road bridge in Ferreira, Bulk Water and Centlec WhatsApp groups, refuse removal, illegal dumping, signage and traffic signals, municipal account estimates, effective communication, policies, sewage management, pothole claims, council motions on service delivery, oversight requests for the information technology system, dispute resolution mechanisms, debt collection, Botshabelo infrastructure repairs, bucket system and pit toilets in Botshabelo, and water treatment plant issues in Botshabelo.
Vivier said More agreed to proposals on efficient water provision and proper utilisation of public funds for reservoir erection and maintenance. “Additionally, he agreed to replace ball valves to facilitate automated operations and committed to enhancing communication channels, refuse removal, and appointing qualified contractors for various tasks. He pledged to review and enforce municipal policies and by-laws, expedite response to service-related matters, and address deficiencies in the dispute resolution process.
Vivier said while acknowledging the metro’s commitments, the DA remains cautiously optimistic, recognising the challenges ahead. “The DA is committed to supporting the municipality in fulfilling its promises and ensuring accountability,” he said.
“However, it’s important to note the potential for interference from the ANC-led political sphere within the metro’s administration. Given the historical performance of the municipality under ANC governance, the need for systemic change is evident.”
