Johan Steenkamp says the municipality has to start looking at solutions that are sustainable, and not only temporary for the sake of trying to cut costs.

He adds that council members should put their heads together to resolve lingering service delivery issues in Dealesville and other surrounding areas such as Hertzogville and Boshoff.

Steenkamp further adds that strikes and marches could be avoided if the council works together to serve the community and put political affiliations aside.

“We can see that there are big problems. According to my colleagues and me, these problems didn’t get addressed satisfactorily. If the municipality acted quickly and at least communicated with the community, we could have prevented this march. At the end of the day, it is necessary,” says Steenkamp.

Steenkamp says these marches are necessary as they highlight the needs and wants of the community.

“For me, it’s not about the measures put in place now, it’s to maintain those measures for the next couple of years,” explains Steenkamp.

Steenkamp believes that if all parties set aside their differences within the municipality, come together, and work towards implementing the necessary changes, the community will work hand in hand with the municipality towards an economic rebirth of Dealesville.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi and Lee Simmons