Note to Broadcasters: Please find linked soundbites in English and Setswana by Cllr Sam Nape.
The DA in the Greater Taung Local Municipality calls for calm after protests erupted in Matolong and Itereleng Villages. Residents took to the streets because the ANC Mayor, Cllr Tumisang Gaoraelwe, made empty promises in 2022 to construct an internal road between the two villages connecting them to the N18.
In typical ANC fashion, Mayor Gaoraelwe made politically expedient promises to residents knowing full well that the municipality did not have the funding nor the capacity to build such a road. Neither does the road fall under the jurisdiction of the Greater Taung Local Municipality. The road is a competency of the North West Provincial Government.
The DA would in principle support the construction of a road, but it must follow the correct process and procedures. When the matter appeared before Council, we raised concerns that this would be an unfunded project, that the municipality has no jurisdiction to construct this road since it is a provincial road, and that the cost of R10 million seemed excessive.
The ANC in Council wanted to apply for funding from the Greater Taung Local Municipality’s investment accounts, but these accounts were almost depleted after the ANC-led administration utilised R100 million from these accounts over the last year.
Mayor Gaoraelwe was quick to make empty promises, raising expectations of residents, but when they took to the streets he went into hiding. In short, Mayor Gaoraelwe is the cause of these protests and he should at least have the backbone to engage the communities in the two villages.
The DA will also raise the possible construction of this road with the MEC for Public Works and Roads, Gaoago Oageng Molapisi, to see whether there is any intention and funding available for this project.
Instead of resorting to disruptive protests, residents of Matolong and Itereleng Villages should register to vote DA in next year’s elections. The DA in government does not make promises that we cannot keep, and we ensure quality basic service delivery to all residents.