Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbites in English by Francis Kasonkomona
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the City of Matlosana notes with serious concern the continued failure to resuscitate the long-dysfunctional Municipal Garage, a collapse that is severely undermining service delivery, fleet readiness and public safety (see photo here).
Residents across Matlosana continue to experience unattended water leaks, prolonged electricity outages, reduced law enforcement visibility and delayed road maintenance. These failures erode public trust and accelerate infrastructure decline.
Despite repeated commitments, internal engagements, budget allocations and urgent appeals from the DA, the municipal garage remains largely non-functional. Years of neglect dating back to at least 2016, have left essential vehicles grounded, many parked at external service providers, delaying emergency responses and crippling departments responsible for water services, electricity maintenance, road repairs, stormwater management, law enforcement and public safety.
This crisis is the result of prolonged administrative inaction and poor management. Over the past four years, the City of Matlosana has repeatedly promised to restore operations at the garage, yet critical fleet vehicles remain unrepaired, outsourcing continues at inflated costs, and staff report for duty without meaningful work. Communities are left without reliable services due to vehicle shortages.
Municipal leadership has failed to provide clear restoration timelines, allocate adequate resources, investigate procurement irregularities linked to long-term outsourcing, or submit transparent progress reports to Council.
The Democratic Alliance therefore calls on the City of Matlosana to:
- Fully resuscitate and operationalise the Municipal Garage within a defined timeframe;
- Table an urgent report to Council detailing costs, timelines and obstacles;
- End wasteful outsourcing practices;
- Ensure transparency and accountability in fleet management and procurement.
To escalate this matter and give residents a direct voice, the DA will launch a public petition calling for urgent action and full accountability for the ongoing service delivery failures.
Communities in the City of Matlosana deserve a functioning municipality, not one crippled by neglect and mismanagement.
The DA will continue to exercise strict oversight and pursue accountability until the Municipal Garage is fully operational and residents receive the basic services they are entitled to.