By: Irene Brussow – DA Caucus Leader in Mkhondo Local Municipality
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Mkhondo is pleased to note that the municipal Council has adopted our motion to urgently hire a cherry picker and repair the town’s failing streetlights.
For over two years, the safety of Mkhondo residents has been compromised by a municipal cherry picker that is perpetually broken. The DA will call for a full report on why the Municipal vehicle has remained in a state of disrepair for two years.
Currently, the municipality’s Electricity Department is dysfunctional because the municipality is refusing to approve a memo to hire a private cherry picker. This is the only tool capable of clearing the months-long backlog of faulty streetlights.
The refusal to hire essential equipment demonstrates disregard to the safety of our community. Dark streets are an open invitation for criminals. The truth of the matter is that our residents are suffering and crime is on the rise. The safety and security of Mkhondo must be a priority, not a budgetary afterthought.
The municipality’s cherry picker has not been operational for more than two consecutive weeks at a time for nearly 24 months. This systemic failure has left entire neighborhoods in total darkness, creating a criminal’s playground and leaving vulnerable residents afraid to leave their homes at night. Despite repeated calls for action and comprehensive lists submitted to municipal authorities, no adequate response has come through.
The municipality’s Infrastructure Development Services Department lethargic approach in establishing a strategic plan to address this ongoing issue is worrisome. Therefore, the DA has now taken action that will ensure that the municipality prioritizes such critical services and review its infrastructure.
The DA remains the only party committed to ensuring the Mkhondo Local Municipality provides a responsive, transparent, and accountable government that puts the lives of its citizens first.