Delegates will be concluding their week-long programme focused on service delivery in the City of Matlosana and participatory democracy.

The outreach programme, which began on Tuesday under the theme Celebrating 30 Years of the Constitution: Deepening Participatory Democracy for Service Delivery, has placed municipalities under intense scrutiny amid growing concerns over deteriorating infrastructure and governance failures.

Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the programme seeks to strengthen oversight and cooperation across government spheres. “The NCOP, as the parliamentary house representing provincial and local interests at national level, plays a critical role in South Africa’s constitutional democracy through oversight of provincial and local government, cooperative governance, and the protection of provincial interests.

“Taking Parliament to the People brings democracy closer to communities by creating a direct platform for citizens to raise concerns and contribute to decision-making processes.”

On Tuesday, NCOP delegates conducted oversight visits in Khuma and Kanana townships in Klerksdorp to inspect progress on the installation of high mast lights. Delegates also visited road infrastructure projects in Jouberton.

However, it’s understood officials encountered a bleak picture of municipal decline. Roads riddled with deep potholes, some reportedly measuring nearly half a metre, raised alarm among delegates. In several areas, overflowing sewage was seen running through streets, worsening road damage, and posing serious health risks to residents.

Parliamentary media liaison Malatswa Molepo said the conditions observed raised concerns among delegates about the gap between official reports and realities experienced by communities on the ground.

The oversight programme also included a visit to PC Pelser Airport, where NCOP delegates and members of the North West Provincial Legislature raised concerns over deteriorating infrastructure and security shortcomings at the municipal airport.

The airport, located between Klerksdorp and Stilfontein, has a 1,500m runway and 49 hangars, including eleven owned by the municipality. However, the facility currently faces aging infrastructure, inadequate lighting, poor security systems, and the lack of a permanent air traffic control tower.

Director of community services in Matlosana, Phehello Setona, warned that the lack of proper monitoring systems could create opportunities for criminal activities.

“We do not have a record of aircraft landing and taking off at this airport, and this makes the facility a potential hub for criminal activities, especially considering the prevalence of illegal mining activities in the area.”

Despite the challenges, Setona said the municipality sees significant economic potential in the airport and plans to reposition it as a logistics and cargo hub.

“This airport has significant potential. We can even establish an aviation school here, but the municipality currently lacks the budget required to implement the improvement plans,” he added.

He appealed to the NCOP delegation to assist the municipality in securing funding to revive the struggling facility.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi sm

• Do you have a news tip to share? Call or whatsapp the OFM News line: 066 487 1427.