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The second quarter Service Delivery Budget Implementation Plan (SDBIP) tabled in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality (MMM) paints a disheartening situation for residents as the ANC-led municipality repeatedly fails to spend conditional grants.

One example is leaving residents with pit toilets that have been there for more than ten years. The municipality also failed to upgrade and install sewer infrastructure especially in Ward 38, sections D and M for the two previous consecutive financial years.

In Botshabelo residents continue to suffer the consequences as pit toilets are not serviced regularly. One family reported that the pit toilet was so full that children were sick as they developed skin rashes and sores. Infectious worms were all over the area and the family had to continue making use of the toilet as they had no alternative. Residents of MMM are being subjected to inhumane conditions, even though the ANC-led municipality through its cadre deployment keeps officials that are highly paid yet not fit for purpose in positions. All of this while the municipality is still under National Government intervention.

In the 2021/2022 financial year, the municipality failed to appoint a contractor for sewer infrastructure services as the Bid had to be re-advertised on several occasions without success. In 22022/2023 the same situation continued as Bid documentation was never processed and finalised. It was during 2022/2023 that the municipality had to give back to the Treasury an amount of more than R800 million on the conditional grant that could have been used to install needed infrastructure in the area.

In the current financial year funds allocated for conditional grants have not been spent because according to the report the municipality is in dispute with the consultant and as such the contractor cannot be appointed. Chances are the conditional grant funds will once again be acceded to the Treasury as the MMM is incapable of spending the funds.

Residents will get an opportunity later this year to elect a government that cares and has a track record of good governance and sound financial practices. Residents are therefore urged to register to Rescue South Africa.

Issued by David Masoeu - DA Councillor Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality