Freedom Front Plus demands audit from Govan Mbeki Municipality
The Freedom Front Plus (FFPlus) demanded a comprehensive audit from Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM) of the stormwater drainage systems and infrastructure conditions in all the towns in the municipality.
Aranda Nel-Buitendag FFPlus Clr said they sent a letter of grievance to the Department of Civil Engineering about the unacceptable state of the infrastructure, particularly the neglect of stormwater drains, overgrown streams and dilapidated sidewalks in various affected communities.
She further said this demand follows the municipality's failure to act on several prior requests from the FFPlus.
'The FFPlus condemns the lack of action and oversight. The damage the heavy rainfall in January caused to infrastructure should serve as a wake-up call, as the municipality's failure to maintain critical infrastructure caused it,' said Nel-Buitendag.
'It led to significant flooding and damage to numerous properties. It left many families vulnerable as water damaged their houses because of blocked stormwater systems.
'The ongoing rains could cause further damage to the affected areas as the soil is saturated. More rain could lead to landslides, and areas with poor drainage are at risk of severe flooding.
'Although the municipality did a handful of clean-up efforts, it remained sporadic, incomplete and largely ineffective.
'Some streams they partially cleared, while they left debris and waste materials, such as branches. This creates environmental hazards and provides potential hiding places for criminals.'
According to Nel-Buitendag, FFPlus receives many complaints from residents about safety concerns and crime in these neglected areas.
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They believe every town deserves access to functional infrastructure and a team adequately equipped to maintain it.
The FFPlus called on GMM to secure the resources for the sustained maintenance of drains, waterways, sidewalks and open spaces.
They demanded that the municipality urgently compile a public infrastructure maintenance schedule and action plan involving the affected communities through continuous feedback and participation.
'The FFPlus will keep calling the municipality to account until the municipality deals with the matter,' said Nel-Buitendag.
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