MOKOPANE – Bosveld reported on Pitja’s accident in Bosveld Review of 31 August – 6 September. DA Councillor for Mahwelereng, Thapelo Pooe, said the DA has written to the Mayor of Mogalakwena Municipality, Andrina Matsemela, to immediately close more than 15 uncovered storm water manholes in Mokopane and Mahwelereng Township.
Read more: Open manhole: Mokopane man badly injured
“These manholes were left uncovered by a contractor in 2016 and no steps were taken by the municipality to hold the company accountable by closing these manholes before being paid for the services rendered. Because many of the streets in the municipality do not have street lights which poses a danger to children and the cause of Pitja’s accident.”
Pooe said the DA decided to conduct an oversight inspection around town as well as adjacent townships and villages on Thursday, 6 September after Pitja sustained serious spinal and neck injuries after falling into an uncovered manhole that is two metres deep.
“We discovered that there are more uncovered manholes along the main streets posing a real threat to the residents.”
According to Pooe, the current situation is unacceptable and instead of utilising taxpayer money wisely to close these manholes, the municipality continues to misuse the funds. Pooe said: “The DA urges Mayor Matsemela to prioritise closure of these manholes with immediate effect before more residents are injured or lose their lives.” Malesela Selokela, Head of Communications of Mogalakwena Municipality did not comment before the newspaper went to print.
redaksie.bosvelder@nmgroup.co.za
