The residents of Matjhabeng local Municipality deserve better services. This uttering is from the Executive Mayor of Matjhabeng Thanduxolo Khalipha whilst conducting an oversight visit to municipal projects.
The provincial Department of Water and Sanitation was also on-site to fulfil its regulatory role, ensuring compliance regarding sanitation services. The oversight visits took place at various projects within the jurisdiction of the Matjhabeng Municipality.
Executive Mayor Thanduxolo Khalipha says the municipality should render the necessary services. The residents’ complaints will also be addressed.
According to Khalipha, sewage spillages have become a common sight in Matjhabeng and around the country.
“The dignity of our people has been compromised. We have been getting letters from the Human Rights Commission and the Public Protector … Our people have been complaining and they have a genuine reason to complain but the work that we have done, there was a commitment on our side, and that’s why we are excited with the progress that we have made since 2021.”
The head of the provincial Department of Water and Sanitation, Dr Tshediso Ntili, says they are there to ensure compliance and progress with the delivery of the services.
Some residents expressed their discontent, saying the quality of services is not satisfactory.
“As residents of Matjhabeng we have plenty of problems, sewer from Thubelitjha Side comes out of the houses, it begins from one end of the street and goes to the other end. And when it is at its worst, it flows from inside the houses.”
“We have been promised stands, we are staying in shacks, but there’s been promise after promise, even where I’m staying, the situation is not good. I’m using a pit latrine.”
“What I’m crying about is the care for the elderly and orphans. I use my house as a place of safety, working together with social workers I house the children that don’t have a place to stay.”
The visits included the handing over of completed projects, as well as a public engagement with the community of Meloding in Virginia. This meeting relates to the establishment of a new mine shaft by Sibanye-Stillwater in the area.
Source: eNCA
