MOGALAKWENA – Residents of Mogalakwena say newly elected mayor, Andrina Matsemela has until the end of October to get Lleka Lekalakala Council Chambers in order. They say there is still a dire need for services in the troubled municipality.
Matsemela is the fifth mayor of Mogalakwena in five years and residents have high hopes for her after she promised to improve service delivery in the area.
Situated in the platinum belt, the municipality consists of 32 wards, with 189 villages, Mogalakwena is not immune from service delivery challenges ranging from water scarcity, unemployment, and a whole host of political, economic and social ills.
Community leader, Motlatjo Selomo, says there is still refuse that needs to be collected in the township of Mahwelereng while villagers in rural communities are struggling with issues of water provision and sanitation among a whole host of much-needed basic services. “We are growing impatient but let us give them time. We hope they will do better than the previous council,” she said.
Another resident, Maggie Kgosana, says she has a daily back-breaking routine of fetching water using a wheelbarrow on rock-strewn roads. “Everyone here is struggling to find clean drinking water. We are appealing to the municipality to supply us with water. But most importantly, they should create an economy that will give the youth employment opportunities,” she said.
DA Councillor, Thapelo Poe has called for an urgent filling of vacant positions, including that of the municipal manager.
“If we had a full-time municipal manager who could run their full term in office, maybe there would be speedy delivery of services. There are a number of vacant positions in various departments that need to be filled. The sooner these posts are filled, the sooner services will be delivered.”
Municipal Spokesperson, Malesela Selokela, says plans are afoot to fill the vacant position to speed up service delivery.
thoko@nmgroup.co.za
