The acting Municipal Manager (MM) and acting HOD of the Mangaung Metro Municipality are requested to act quickly to save the people and property of the community in the aftermath of the collapse of a portion of the canal's ceiling in Dan Pienaar. 

This collapse created a sinkhole under a rugby field at the school in Dan Pienaar, just a day after hosting many teams from Bethlehem's Witteberg High School at an interschool sports day that forms part of a series.

PHOTO: Facebook

This request was sent by the DA in the Mangaung Metro Municipality.

According to Werner Pretorius, a DA councillor in the metro, they conducted an inspection of the sinkhole after being informed by the school on 28 February 2023. The reaction has been slow since they brought the issue to the acting MM's and acting Engineering HOD's attention.

“We checked the sinkhole again after the heavy rains and discovered that the wall was further eroding in some places,” Pretorius said.

"The ANC-led municipality has neglected stormwater system servicing and improvements for years. In addition to this causing periodic flooding in numerous regions, the negligence also worsens the condition of the road infrastructure."

The municipality will continue to be criticised by the DA for improper planning, budgeting, and not carrying out routine maintenance of important infrastructure.

The DA demands the compilation of an engineering report, attesting to the thorough examination and assessment of the stormwater canal's safety.

Due to the municipality's delayed response, the DA will write to the Free State Premier and the MEC for Cooperative Governance, Traditional Affairs, and Human Settlements to request their intervention in this matter.

"The metro must take immediate action to protect people's lives, livelihoods, and property.

"The people of Mangaung deserve a compassionate and accommodating government that prioritises their quality of life and means of living."

OFM News is awaiting comment from the spokesperson of the Mangaung Metro Municipality, Qondile Khedama.

Oud-Tralie Rugby Club shared this video on Facebook this Sunday. 

The school thanked Raubex on Monday after the company immediately drew up plans to secure the sinkhole on its sports grounds. Raubex blocked off the sinkhole free of charge, explaining the safety of the learners is also something close to their heart.

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The Department of Education, as well as the Mangaung Municipality, also visited the school on Monday to assess the situation.

OFM News