By OBAKENG MAJE
ANC ward 20 councillor at the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM), Itumeleng Maribe said those who alleged that there is poor service delivery in his ward, are just disgruntled individuals who are seeking attention. Maribe said those ‘cynics’ actually contested the same ward during previous Local Government Elections (LGE), but failed dismally.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) alleged that it has engaged with leaders of ward 20, People’s Forum in Kameelputs village, who indicated that the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Nono Maloyi, has ignored requests for intervention in the ongoing service delivery collapse in ward 20 under the representation of the Maribe.
The DA Member of Parliament (MP) and Constituency Head of Greater Taung Local Municipality, Sello Seitlholo said, the forum has accused Maribe of failing to address the terrible condition of roads, the destruction and vandalization of several RDP houses.
“They also highlighted cadre deployment in the recruitment of Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers as one of the challenges. They alleged that high-mast lights installed four years ago have not worked a single day since, despite residents reporting the complaint numerous times to Maribe.
“The mayor of Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM), Tumisang Gaoraelwe, and the municipal speaker, Grace Moipolai, have also been accused of being bystanders and allowing Maribe to get away with his alleged corruption,” he said.
Seitlholo further said the forum submitted several letters, including a memorandum to the Office of the Premier on 28 June 2023, and to Maloyi requesting his intervention in the alleged corruption, nepotism, and cadre deployment at the hands of Maribe.
He added that, as part of their whole-of-society approach towards rescuing South Africa from the disastrous failed governance of the ANC, they will work closely with the community stakeholders like the forum.
“We will apply pressure on Maloyi to immediately respond to the concerns residents have raised with him and launch an investigation into Maribe’s conduct. The residents who have endured the brunt of poor governance, collapsed service delivery, corruption, and fraud, have an opportunity to register to vote DA this weekend,” said Seitlholo.
However, Maribe described these allegations as incongruous and tenuous.
“People are talking about the electricity connection at the community hall, but we are still waiting for Eskom. They also talk about incomplete RDP houses including the gravel road in Kgomotso. The contractor has been appointed to construct the 2km road.
“Yes, there are challenges, but we have done so much to ensure that, we deliver services to our community. They also raised a challenge over a high mast light alleging that, it has been four years since it was not operational,” he said.
Maribe said those who raised these allegations, they normally do not attend community meetings.
“Maybe it is important to explain that, I managed to facilitate bursaries, driver’s licenses, and artisan programs that benefitted the people in my ward. As we speak, we have 30 individuals who are qualified. I also managed to facilitate a plumbing program for individuals in my ward.
“So, there is a lot that I have achieved through a partnership with the private sector and other departments. I’ll advise that you go to my ward and see for yourself. We understand that there is a backlog on completion of RDP houses, but the contractors were recently appointed to address that,” concluded Maribe.
The Guardian 