The DA will write to the Municipal Manager, Thuso Nemugumoni, to demand urgent action to address the frequent electricity outages and deteriorating service delivery affecting Polokwane Local Municipality.
This follows electricity outages that occurred after a thunderstorm on Monday evening, highlighting the failure by the municipality’s energy department to deliver adequate services to residents already burdened by frequent service delivery issues.
This department does not have the capacity to deliver emergency services because of old infrastructure, critical positions such as Director and Managers that are acting, with long, unnecessary delays in making suitable permanent appointments, and insufficient technicians and workers to do the electrical maintenance in affected areas.
These challenges, coupled with poor planning, have seen electrical failures increase and residents go without services for prolonged periods. This has led to economic losses and unnecessary inconveniences to residents, which is unacceptable.
An area like Ivydale that has many large businesses and new residential areas that contribute to the municipality’s revenue and economy is usually hit the hardest with storms because of overhead lines and old infrastructure. The second phase of upgrading should have been done years ago but never took place.
Infrastructure like roads and stormwater drainage are also in a very bad condition and very little priority has been given to this escalating problem. Gravel and tar roads have reached their lifespan and residents’ vehicles are frequently damaged while using these roads.
The Municipal Manager must present a comprehensive maintenance plan that prioritises electricity, water and road infrastructure maintenance to ensure improved services.
The Democratic Alliance will keep fighting for a reliable electricity supply and improved service delivery to get Polokwane working for our residents.