Freedom Square has repeatedly drawn attention over persistent water leaks, sewage spillages, and damaged roads, with some problems reportedly left unresolved for years. The metro reportedly loses between 48% and 49% of its bulk water supply because of extensive leaks, ageing burst pipes, and unmetered consumption. 

Raw sewage continues to flow into streets, residential yards and local waterways, while approximately 22% of households still rely on pit toilets.

Mangaung Service Delivery Forum leader and councillor candidate Potso Motoko has repeatedly raised concerns about the conditions facing residents. He has accused municipal leadership of favouring associates when awarding service delivery tenders, alleging that some projects fail to materialise despite public money being spent.

Responding to the challenges in Freedom Square, Mangaung City Manager Sello More acknowledged that the metro faces a backlog of sewage spillages and potholes, with some problems persisting for more than ten years.

He said the municipality was working to address service delivery challenges in Freedom Square and other parts of the metro.

“Freedom Square is something that has been identified not only by residents, but also by National Treasury, as the councillor indicated. Funding has been allocated to address the problems in Freedom Square.

“You must understand that Freedom Square, like many other informal settlements, was established with minimal services in place. That is why I say it is a live service delivery area. We are busy fixing the pipes and installing manholes.”

More acknowledged that sewage spillages could continue while repairs were underway.

“While the work is being done, there is a likelihood that sewage spillages may persist. The project is expected to be completed around December, and by then everything identified there should have been cleared,” he said.

The metro’s financial management is facing increased scrutiny. OFM News previously reported that Mangaung’s Financial Misconduct Disciplinary Board is investigating 17 cases involving alleged unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditure amounting to billions of rand.

More has also reportedly been issued with a certificate of debt, a mechanism that can hold accounting officers personally liable for financial losses arising from the mismanagement of public funds.

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