Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbite in English by Ronald Matlholoa
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ditsobotla expresses serious concern over the severe underperformance of the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG), particularly in relation to road infrastructure across the municipal area.
For the 2024/2025 financial year, Ditsobotla Local Municipality was allocated R32 million in MIG funding. Shockingly, expenditure currently sits below 50%. This unacceptable underperformance is the direct result of maladministration, alleged extortion, and a complete failure of contract management by municipal officials.
Across Ditsobotla, internal roads are deteriorating at an alarming rate. Residents in Lichtenburg, Itsoseng, Boikhutso, Coligny and Biesiesvlei are forced to endure unsafe, damaged roads that continue to worsen due to neglect and lack of proper infrastructure maintenance.
Industrial roads in Lichtenburg, including Dr. Nelson Mandela Drive (previously Byers Naudé Drive) and Thabo Mbeki Drive, are in an equally dire condition. These routes are critical economic arteries for the municipality. Their deterioration has already had devastating economic consequences, contributing to the relocation of major businesses such as Clover from the Ditsobotla area.
Ditsobotla is a key agricultural economic hub, hosting major businesses including NWK, Agrico, Epko, and Nutrific. The collapsing state of road infrastructure poses a serious threat to these businesses, local economic stability, and thousands of jobs.
Adding to the crisis, several road infrastructure projects have reportedly been abandoned by contractors due to non-payment by the municipality and failures in contract management. This further highlight the administration’s inability to properly manage public funds and deliver essential services.
The DA in Ditsobotla will formally engage the National Cabinet Representative (NCR) intervention team, led by Mr Ralikhontsane, to investigate the underperformance of the MIG, as well as the serious allegations of extortion and maladministration within the municipality.
Those found guilty of wrongdoing must face the full might of the law. The DA in Ditsobotla will continue to fight for residents to receive the basic services they deserve. Where the DA governs, we deliver better services, protect jobs, and put communities first.