Mayors face disgruntled community

Members of the Bakenberg community recently had the opportunity to voice their concerns over service delivery of the
Mogalakwena Municipality through the Waterberg District’s Public Participation Programme.
Most of the concerns and frustrations related to the need for water and sanitation projects in the area, the construction of sport facilities to keep the youth out of taverns and for the erection of high-mast floodlights to prevent rape and other crimes at night.
The community is particularly concerned over the shortage of RDP houses. Many residents still live in mud houses and during rainy seasons buses and taxis drop passengers off far from their homes due the inaccessible state of the roads. This leaves people vulnerable to robbery and assault.
One of the residents, Jane Langa, said the municipality overlooks sports activities in Bakenberg and that sports councils are not active any more.
She added that residents cannot make use of the Bakenberg stadium unless they pay for access despite the fact that the stadium has no water or electricity. She said instead of being utilised, the stadium is now simply being vandalised. She requested 24-hour security, artificial lawns and consistent maintenance at all the local sports stadiums.
Mogalakwena mayor, Andries Tlhalifi Mashamaite, conceded that stadiums are not utilised.
“Be aware that we have budgeted R2.2 million for this financial year.
The budgeted amount for all the stadiums is R4.4 million. These funds will be used to renovate all our stadiums [including] Bakenberg, Mapela,
Rebone and TT Cholo.  All the stadiums will be maintained regularly with 24-hour security.
“We met with Roads and Transport MEC,  Pitsi Moloto and we agreed that all our roads should be tarred. We have budgeted R3 million for Makekeng, Basterspad and Mohlakaneng roads in the 2013/2014 financial year.”
Mashamaite indicated that he would call the Men’s Forum to engage each other on how they can do away with the rape, abuse of women and children so they can live freely in a democratic country.
The Waterberg District’s Executive Mayor, Rosina Tlotlanang Mogotlane, applauded the community for raising their concerns.
She indicated that the same services cannot reach every village at the same time as they work on budget and planning schedules.
“I commit myself to work closely with the community development workers, councillors and mayors in ensuring that we eradicate all mud houses in Waterberg District come 2014/2015.”