Please find attached soundbite in English by Freddy Sonakile MPL.
Please find attached soundbite in Setswana by Freddy Sonakile MPL.
- Government-owned brick factory stands abandoned despite its potential to create jobs and stimulate the local economy.
- Public assets remain unused while unemployment continues to devastate communities in Moretele.
- DA will push for answers from the North West Provincial Government on the future of the facility and the public funds invested in it
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is calling on the North West Provincial Government to account for the abandonment of the Lebalangwe Brick Factory in the Moretele Local Municipality following an oversight inspection of the facility (see photos here, here, and here).
The factory, which was established to stimulate local economic development and create employment opportunities, has stood idle for an extended period despite valuable machinery, equipment and completed bricks remaining on site. The premises continue to be guarded by security personnel, yet there has been no public explanation as to why operations ceased or what plans, if any, exist for the future of the facility.
At a time when the North West has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, it is unacceptable that productive public infrastructure has been left standing dormant while thousands of residents are searching for work and economic opportunities.
During the oversight visit, community members expressed deep frustration that a facility with the potential to support local enterprise and create much-needed jobs has instead become another abandoned government project. Residents deserve answers as to why public infrastructure intended to benefit their community has been allowed to deteriorate without accountability.
The DA will submit written questions in the North West Provincial Legislature to the MEC for Public Works requesting full disclosure on:
- the reasons for the closure of the factory;
- the total amount of public funds invested in establishing and maintaining the facility;
- the ongoing costs of securing and maintaining the site;
- the current status of the machinery and equipment; and
- whether the provincial government intends to reopen, repurpose or dispose of the facility.
Every abandoned government project represents more than wasted taxpayer money. It represents lost jobs, missed opportunities for economic growth and another broken promise to communities that desperately need investment and employment.
The DA believes public infrastructure should serve the people, not stand idle while unemployment continues to rise. We will continue to hold the provincial government accountable until residents receive clear answers and a credible plan for the future of the Lebalangwe Brick Factory.