The DA in the Greater Kokstad has written to the Municipal Manager, Sipho Zwane, to request that he takes strong action against municipal contractors that are compromising infrastructure causing a disruption to services (view letter here).
Over the past six months, the contractor’s actions have resulted in repeated disruptions to essential services, leaving residents and businesses without water and electricity for prolonged periods.
This as an appointed contractor who is working on the Hawthorne Road project, has continuously brought havoc to residents and businesses. Since his appointment in February, that cost the ratepayer R16 million, the contractor has been doing deep excavation that is damaging water and electricity infrastructure.
They are allegedly not using maps and guidelines.
This consistent negligence has led to significant hardships for both the community and local businesses (view images here and here).
The lack of consideration and empathy displayed by the contractor is disheartening. Their failure to take appropriate measures to prevent further damage to water lines and electricity cables shows a disregard for the well-being and needs of the community.
The deputy mayor has also shown a total disregard for the situation. During an IDP meeting he said that residents must expect more damage to infrastructure.
Instead of working to prevent further damage to water lines and electricity cables, the deputy mayor seems to downplay the issue by saying that residents must expect more damage to infrastructure.
The DA demands that the contractor be held accountable for their actions and that they take responsibility for the havoc they have caused. It is imperative that they work diligently to rectify the damages caused and implement measures to prevent future incidents.
Furthermore, the DA is urging the municipality to take a proactive approach in supervising and guiding the contractor to ensure that they adhere to plans and guidelines that safeguard critical infrastructure and services.
In light of these ongoing issues, the DA in Kokstad is committed to taking all necessary steps to bring about a resolution. The priority is to protect the interests and well-being of the community and ensure action against the contractor’s actions.
Collaborative efforts with the affected businesses and residents are crucial in holding both the municipality and the contractor accountable for their role in disrupting services and causing hardships in the area.