JERUSALEM – Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza has defended the delivery of the services not as electioneering by the ruling party, but as running day-to-day business of government.
Speaking at a sod-turning ceremony in Masoyi outside Hazyview on Tuesday, to launch the construction of a 16km provincial road, Mabuza said the provincial government would continue to deliver the services to the public until a new government was put in place after the general elections in May this year.
He said government was implementing its plans and would continue doing that until a new executive council came in.
“The people who are saying that are those who are contesting the elections. With elections or not, we will continue to give services until the people choose another government.
“By the way who is supposed to deliver these services? Government work cannot stop; we were chosen and mandated by the people to serve them, and our term will only come to an end after the elections.
“We are at the same time visiting communities to give feedback on our work by telling our good story as this government, that today is much better than yesterday,” said the premier.
Mabuza explained that at least 400 local people would benefit in terms of employment opportunities during the duration of the project as other link roads connecting a number villages were also being upgraded.
He further urged the communities not to destroy property when utilising their “hard-earned right” of protesting adding that the right was attained in 1994 when a democratic government came into power.
“When you exercise that right, do not forget where you come from. In the past we could not protest, many parents lost their children who died for protesting. Let us be responsible and respect other people’s rights too.
“Do not give up on this government, keep going and remember that when you see too much darkness, the sun is about to rise. We understand that our needs are vast and yet the resources are less,” he said.
The Premier further urged the councillors to constantly interact with the public as in most instances the people’s concerns were genuine.
The new road will take the department of public works roads and transport at least 21 months to complete.