Naledi Municipality must focus on maintenance before waterworks fail – AfriForum
In its comments on the Naledi Local Municipality’s annual Integrated Development Plan (IDP), AfriForum’s Vryburg branch proposes that the Municipality urgently carry out upgrades and maintenance on the infrastructure in both Vryburg and Stella. AfriForum argues that upgrading the water and sewage works should receive top priority, as residents of Vryburg regularly have to drive through sewage water for weeks on end.
The deterioration of infrastructure, particularly at the water and sewage works, could lead to, among other things, interruptions in water supply as well as contaminated drinking water. At the same time, persistent blockages in stormwater drainage pipes could result in severe flooding and damage to other infrastructure.
In addition to these problems, the condition of the roads in both towns remains a major concern. The number of potholes on some roads makes them almost impassable for motorists; stop signs are stolen and not replaced; and the road markings at stop streets have faded to such an extent that motorists can no longer see them. AfriForum already pointed out last year that the budget should provide for the maintenance of road infrastructure. However, the Municipality has still not acted on this. As a result, AfriForum’s Vryburg branch has itself repaired potholes and repainted stop streets and all speed bumps in the town.
AfriForum has on several occasions proposed that the Municipality sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the civil rights organisation. Such a memorandum would not only facilitate cooperation between the Municipality and AfriForum in the future but would also enable AfriForum to undertake various projects in town and improve infrastructure, thereby easing the Municipality’s burden. However, the Municipality has still not signed the MOU.
AfriForum nevertheless holds quarterly meetings with the Municipality to resolve new challenges as quickly as possible. The civil rights organisation has requested that the Municipality continue these meetings into the next IDP period.
“The annual IDP is the ideal opportunity for AfriForum and the community to communicate their concerns and proposals to the Municipality. Without it, the Municipality would be far more out of touch with the challenges communities face,” says Jp Nel, AfriForum’s District Coordinator for Stellaland.
“The AfriForum branch in Vryburg has a healthy relationship with the Naledi Municipality and intends to maintain it in order to ensure that the community’s problems can be resolved swiftly. AfriForum will continue to put pressure on the Municipality to ensure that it fulfils its constitutional duties.”
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