Since the Bloemfontein High Court's ruling on 12 April 2022, which found Mafube Local Municipality unable to fulfil its constitutional obligations, residents of Mafube have grown increasingly frustrated. The Provincial Government was directed by Judge Van Rhyn in the High Court of Bloemfontein to intervene and implement a Financial Recovery Plan to address the municipality's financial and service delivery challenges, including the pollution of water sources.

Despite the Provincial Intervention Team's arrival and the approval of a recovery plan, service delivery in Mafube has continued to deteriorate rapidly. Salaries in arrears and mounting debts led to municipal employees going on strike, bringing service delivery to a complete halt. Sewerage and freshwater leaks, incomplete roadworks, and ignored calls for assistance from councillors have further plagued the community. The promises of improved service delivery through data cleansing and skills audits have proven unsuccessful.

In response to the dire situation, the DA kicked off by painting Hlalefang Educare in Villiers and Mafube Tourism launched a clean-up campaign, supported by local businesses and organizations. They took it upon themselves to address uncollected rubbish, clean gutters, and paint parking spaces.

The DA remains committed to monitoring the intervention process, advocating for basic service delivery, and urging compliance with court orders. We call on the Provincial and local government to urgently adhere to Judge Van Rhyn's court order, implement the Financial Recovery Plan, and take immediate action to cease pollution of the Vaal River. The DA will continue to hold those in power accountable and fight for the restoration of basic services in Mafube.

 

Issued by Suzette Steyn - DA Councillor Mafube Local Municipality