“I believe dignity is the way of life,” said LPSA interim president Joseph Mathunjwa. “It’s a difficult situation because the children cannot play around the house. They also no longer use the toilet because the sewage was spilling into the house.”

A blocked sewer manhole was found at the Meloding property, which Mathunjwa believed indicated the system had not been serviced for some time. “We put our heads together, and then we had to arrange a septic truck because whenever you flush the toilet, the system is blocked,” he said.

The party and community members had to arrange additional trucks to remove the sewage from around the house. “It was quite difficult, so we had to get other trucks to come and suck out the sewage around the house, with the assistance of the members of the Labour Party and the community at large.”

Residents have reportedly lost hope as sewage continues to flow in the streets of Meloding. The problem extended beyond one household, affecting several houses and streets in the township.  Apparently, the municipality is aware of the situation.

LPSA in Virginia this week. Photo supplied

Residents have been neglected and are calling for improved municipal service delivery. Improving service delivery requires a different approach, including appointing skilled people who are committed to serving communities, said Mathunjwa.

“The LPSA aims to disrupt the status quo and address poor performance in municipalities through practical solutions.”

Meaningful change in service delivery requires political involvement and addressing the root causes of problems in municipalities, he argued. Slogans alone are not enough, and accuses some people responsible for community well-being of prioritising their own interests over those of residents.

OFM News approached Matjhabeng Local Municipality for comment.

OFM News/Siyakholwa Mbatyazwa dg

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