If, according to AfriForum, this is not done in the required time, they will initiate projects to fix the potholes themselves and bill the municipality.
Mr Paul Broodryk, chairman of AfriForum’s local branch said the streets are in a perilous condition and because the municipality is not adhering to its constitutional obligations, they are putting pressure on the community.
AfriForum wants Fanie, Birkholtz, Steve Bantu Biko and Pienaar streets repaired.
Broodryk said they are looking at an amount of R82 000 to repair the streets mentioned.
Mr Tiaan Esterhuizen, AfriForum Manager of Community Structures at AfriForum said AfriForum, will keep the municipality liable for the costs of repairing the streets.
Esterhuizen also said towns in Mpumalanga get little support from their municipalities and in some cases service delivery is seriously lacking.
Mr Theo van Vuuren, the municipality’s administrator, acknowledged that the streets are not in a good condition and the programmes they have launched, and are still executing, are focusing on priority streets. Progress is made on a daily basis.
A tender has been advertised last week for the repair of a further 20 000m². The work is executed according to a prioritised programme and within budget availability.
“Any initiative from the community to assist is appreciated. We have business people in Ackerville for example, who choose to enter into constructive arrangement with the municipality and who have made a huge and positive impact on streets in that area with our assistance. These initiatives we welcome and support. Afriforum is welcome to engage with us in such an arrangement,’ Van Vuuren said.
Van Vuuren said if AfriForum’s current demand received is not in this spirit, they should rather advise on priorities than to determine and impose their priorities.
“Public sector resources are to be prioritised according to the overall needs and although I don’t dispute that these streets require assistance, it will be unfair to channel funds on dictates without considering the bigger picture and initiatives,” he said.
Van Vuuren said the same applies to recovery of funds from the municipality.
There are strict legal procedures to be followed in the allocation of funds including a procurement process. By unilaterally going ahead this process is obviously not followed. Budget allocations are also made following a public process and by demanding payment for something not in the budget process represents irregular activities.
“Anyone unilaterally repairing potholes without municipal approval or technical oversight is doing so at their own risk. Should any damage result from such repair work or subsequent to that on infrastructure which has been repaired without written permission, the insurance of the municipality will not cover it and the ‘welder’ will be liable for any legal claim. Should Agriforum wish to do repairs to these streets they are advised to consult with our Technical Services for the necessary permission, technical specifications and oversight. This applies to anyone who wants to repair a pothole. I will rather prefer a process of consultation than this confrontational approach,” Van Vuuren said.
On February 9 the Lydenburg branch of AfriForum started fixing potholes in their town. This project will be rolled out in phases and will cost R325 000.
“The Lydenburg community is under pressure as the Thaba Chweu Municipality is failing in its duties, but because residents are not prepared to sit back and watch how their town wanes. They are taking ownership of the problems themselves and they’re prepared to roll up their sleeves,” Leon de Jager, chairman of the Lydenburg branch of AfriForum said.
AfriForum calls on the community to show their support in the project by sending their name by SMS to 45350. SMSs cost R1 per SMS.
