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The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Free State is deeply concerned about the rapidly deteriorating situation at the Welkom traffic department in Matjhabeng Local Municipality.

We have been reliably informed by members of the public that the Matjhabeng traffic office closes at 14:00 when it is supposed to close at 16:00. This was confirmed during an oversight visit where we discovered that the manager in charge of the office was not there and had not reported for duty for several days.

Unfortunately, the challenges at the Matjhabeng office are common throughout the Free State. There are severe staff shortages, unmaintained grounds, supply shortages and the vehicle testing equipment is not fully functional. Offices routinely close when there are water issues or loadshedding. Please see pictures here, here, here and here.

These issues are compounded by the lack of maintenance by the municipality. Refuse is left uncollected and water leakages have not been repaired for several years.

The DA will continue to bring these matters to the attention of the MEC and the relevant Legislature committees. The only way Matjhabeng residents can experience proper service delivery is by voting out this government in 2024. We call upon voters to rescue Matjhabeng by registering to vote and casting their ballots in the upcoming election.

Issued by Jafta Mokoena MPL - DA Spokesperson on Roads and Transport: Free State Provincial Legislature