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The Kroonstad community in Moqhaka Local Municipality is expressing growing apprehension as a church building, sold to a municipal official, undergoes a conversion into student accommodation without the requisite building plans and property rezoning. Despite multiple complaints lodged by the DA and concerned residents, the municipality's lack of response has raised questions about the potential involvement of municipal officials.

The sudden conversion of this church site into student housing has left many residents puzzled and disheartened, as it appears to be transpiring without adherence to established regulations.

Residents have reported the absence of any publicly available building plans and a conspicuous lack of communication regarding the rezoning of the property. This has led to growing speculation about the transparency and legality of the conversion project, no public participation has taken place. The community deserves to know the details of such a significant development.

However, to date, there has been no official response from the municipal authorities, leaving residents to wonder if the silence is indicative of an issue within the municipality itself.

As the situation unfolds, The DA and concerned citizens are banding together to seek clarity and demand transparency from the local government. We are calling for an immediate review of the conversion project, urging the municipality to address the community's apprehensions and provide a clear and public account of the processes involved.

Issued by Marelize Boeije - DA Councillor Moqhaka Local Municipality