The municipality has recently come under fire from disgruntled residents for poor service delivery, which includes sewage spillages, issues with water supply, and recurring power outages.

ALSO READ: Mangaung Metro’s infrastructure decaying after neglect

DA Mangaung Caucus Leader, Councillor Johan Pretorius, said they were hoping to hand over a letter of demand to the executive mayor and the deputy mayor, consisting of guidelines and points the municipality needs to apply in order to prevent the collapse of the metro.

Pretorius said they hope the municipality responds to their letter of demand within a week, as neither the deputy mayor, executive mayor, or the city manager were available to receive their letter.

In it, the DA proposes that the municipality needs to table their adjustment budget, which was proposed by the opposition party, with lower tariffs. The budget needs to be funded so that there is money for June 2023.

“The executive mayor must immediately instruct the acting city manager to start the process to appoint an ombudsman. Because an ombudsman is there to protect the interest of the public.”

“It’s crucial they reappoint the contractors that can assist with drain blockages, stormwater inlet repairs, water leaks, pothole repairs and refuse removal,” he said.

The DA also demands that the municipality provide a shortlist and CVs of city manager candidates as the metro has been without a city manager for over a year. Pretorius also notes that the metro needs to take steps to curb lawlessness and make residents feel safe.

OFM News previously reported that the Auditor-General, Tsakani Maluleke, said the Metro spent less than 2% of its infrastructure budget on repairs and maintenance. Maluleke noted that some projects were not completed and the community’s needs were not met.

ALSO READ: AG exposes Mangaung’s failed infrastructure maintenance

The DA says, should the ANC fail to adhere to the letter of demand, they will take the matter up to the Provincial Legislature and National Parliament.

“They must provide a democratic and accountable government for local communities and ensure the provision of services to communities that is sustainable. If they don’t start doing that, they’re actually breaking the law.” 

“The people voted for you, so bring the services to the people and stop stealing the money,” Pretorius concluded.

OFM News