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The Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality (MMM), teeters on the brink of total collapse. Despite the presence of Provincial and National Financial Recovery Plan Intervention teams, their efforts have proven dismal in rescuing the Metro from its financial woes, leaving it in dire straits.

During a recent Democratic Alliance (DA) oversight visit to municipal departments in Botshabelo, a discovery of decay came to light. Please see pictures here, here,here and here.

In Botshabelo, a significant part of Mangaung Metro, it was observed that, apart from the sole vehicle serving the area, the Water and Sanitation department has acquired three new mid-size JAC trucks and a JCB TLB. Additionally, the Front Loader and the TLB, needing repairs, remain in their fleet.

The Roads and Maintenance department also has outdated machinery in its camp, with only one grader recently repaired. The deplorable state of roads in Botshabelo is a direct consequence of these shortcomings. Shockingly, the municipal officials admit to awaiting the delivery of the fleet for this department.

In the Workshop, mechanics revealed a backlog of vehicles awaiting repairs due to a lack of spare parts.

The Solid Waste department faces challenges, where compactor trucks were stripped for repairs, further exacerbating their operational issues.

Mangaung roads, water, and sewerage systems are in desperate need of maintenance and upgrades. Despite this, the Metro is poised to forfeit R200 million in unused funds to the national treasury.

The evident mismanagement and neglect within the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality not only jeopardize its immediate financial stability but also pose a severe threat to the well-being of its residents. With crumbling infrastructure, inadequate services, and the imminent loss of significant funds, the community faces a bleak future unless urgent corrective measures are implemented. We urge the public to stand with us in demanding accountability and a swift resolution to secure a prosperous and sustainable Mangaung for all. Additionally, we will pose urgent Rule 38 questions to ensure that there is a plan of action by the municipality to improve the service delivery for residents of Botshabelo.

Issued by Edwin Maliela - DA Councillor Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality