The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) in the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality (Bethal, Charl Cilliers, Embalenhle, Evander, Kinross, Leandra, Secunda, Trichardt, Emzinoni) demands a comprehensive audit of storm water drainage systems and infrastructure conditions in the local towns.
The party made its demand in a grievance letter to the Department of Civil Engineering concerning the unacceptable state of infrastructure; particularly the neglect of storm water drains, overgrown streams and dilapidated sidewalks in various affected communities.
The demand follows the Municipality’s failure to act on several prior requests by the Freedom Front Plus. The Freedom Front Plus strongly condemns the lack of action and oversight. The damage caused to infrastructure by the heavy rainfall in January 2025 should serve as a wake-up call, as it was a direct result of the Municipality’s failure to maintain critical infrastructure.
It led to significant flooding and damage to numerous properties. Many families were left vulnerable as their homes were damaged by water due to blocked storm water systems.
The ongoing rains could cause further damage to the affected areas as the soil is already saturated. More rain could lead to landslides and areas with poor drainage are at risk of severe flooding.
Although a handful of clean-up efforts were undertaken, they remain sporadic, incomplete and largely ineffective. In many cases, streams have only been partially cleared, while debris and waste materials, such as branches, have been left behind.
This creates environmental hazards and provides potential hiding places for criminals.
The Freedom Front Plus receives more and more complaints from residents about safety concerns and crime in these neglected areas. Every town deserves access to functional infrastructure as well as a team adequately equipped to maintain it.
The Freedom Front Plus, therefore, calls on the Govan Mbeki Municipality to secure the necessary resources for the sustained maintenance of drains, waterways, sidewalks and open spaces. A public infrastructure maintenance schedule and action plan should urgently be compiled, involving the affected communities through continuous feedback and participation in the process.
The Freedom Front Plus will keep calling the Municipality to account until the matter is resolved.
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