The dilapidated fire station in the Matjhabeng Local Municipality (Allanridge, Hennenman, Odendaalsrus, Ventersburg, Virginia, Welkom) is yet another white elephant that is of no value for residents.
The Mmamahabane Fire Station was inaugurated by the Municipality in 2015. But since then, the Station that cost taxpayers a staggering R14 million remains unused and has been stripped bare.
The FF Plus warned the Free State MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Skully Nxangisa, in writing that the blame for the possible losses that may be incurred during the upcoming fire season because the Fire Station is dysfunctional will all rest on the ANC-controlled authorities' shoulders. The FF Plus demands that the Fire Station must start functioning effectively to offer protection to the people residing in the area.
The Free State government, which is responsible for efficient disaster management in the province, will also do well to note that the Municipality only has one fire engine at its disposal while it is tasked with providing fire-fighting services to six towns in the municipal district.
Fires can only be put out if the authorities perform their duties. The Mmamahabane Fire Station is another shining example of the ANC's mismanagement of taxpayers' money.
The ANC government is busy destroying Matjhabeng. Voters have the opportunity to stand up against this in the upcoming local government elections. Stand with the FF Plus and send a loud and clear message that this will no longer be tolerated. The decline must come to an end.
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