The DA in Mangaung has criticised the metro’s mayor for failing to improve the most basic services in the Bloemfontein-based municipality, which often leaves residents angry and frustrated.

During an ordinary council sitting on Wednesday (1/11), DA Councillor David McKay launched a scathing attack on ANC Mayor Gregory Nthatisi. He said Nthatisi has failed to deal with sewerage blockages, which are at an epidemic level. Burst pipes cost the metro millions, while potable water streams down the drains. McKay, who called for Nthatisi to step down, also highlighted the lack of refuse collection across the municipality.

“Sir, residents don’t need beautification of entrances to the city, nor are visitors fooled by the lame attempts, as within 1 km or less into any suburban or township area in Mangaung, they and travellers alike have to wade through rivers of sewage and fight back heaps of uncollected refuse before reaching the safety of their domicile, only to be faced with no water or continuous power failures. 

“This past weekend, two bodies were discovered – shot in an illegal dwelling on the Southern landfill site, while three people were gunned down on Saturday night in Dinaweng when they went to fetch fuel for a generator to watch the Rugby World Cup,” he said.

McKay also mentioned that millions of rands have been spent on metro police vehicles, weapons, and ghost workers, among others. “Since its inception, all (the metro police) can claim is 35 patrols and the installation of two speed reduction cameras nobody monitors – no fines have been issued. 

“Your administration has wilfully tried to deceive the residents of Mangaung once again. You have dismally failed to deliver any basic services, and it does not look like there is any light at the end of the tunnel.”

OFM News previously reported R500,000 allegedly went missing without a trace.

Recently, Mayor Nthatisi admitted that the metro experienced a setback due to the unavailability of diesel, although he said the influence was minimal. He said there was no diesel for about five days. Although the metro cannot escape these issues, certain elements have also contributed, including fuel price increases.

The metro is still under national government intervention for failing to deliver basic services.

The alleged political infighting at the metro is said to be the root cuase of the failed administration. Senior officials with political affiliations are allegedly crossing swords.

OFM News/Lucky Nkuyane Corné Daphné, Morné