‘We demand that Metsimaholo fulfill its responsibility’

Jacques Barnard, DA Councillor Metsimaholo Local Municipality, says the party demands that Metsimaholo Local Municipality fulfill its responsibility to provide essential services such as grass cutting and tree pruning in Sasolburg, services that residents are paying for but not receiving!

Residents have taken it upon themselves to cut grass at the cemetery

“The deteriorating state of our town is alarming, especially as it welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors to the DP De Villiers Stadium during the athletics season,” says Barnard.

Frustrated by the municipality’s lack to take action, some residents and neighbourhoods have taken it upon themselves to maintain greenbelts and even main streets.

Neighbourhoods have taken it upon themselves to maintain greenbelts.

“When DA councilors enquire about these neglected services and lodge complaints, we receive the same response: “We must draw up a programme.”

“This failure extends to our cemeteries, where overgrown grass has made access nearly impossible. Once again, residents have had to step in to restore dignity to these sacred spaces by cutting the grass themselves,” says Barnard.

“Residents deserve transparency and action, not endless delays and empty promises. We will continue to apply pressure and hold the municipality accountable until it delivers the services residents are entitled to.”

The DA also extends its sincere gratitude to the dedicated members of the community who have stepped in to maintain public spaces despite it being the municipality’s responsibility.

United Independent Movement

The same concerns were highlighted in an official press release by Mr. Lenord le Hanie, the Vaalpark Branch Chairman of the United Independent Movement.

The United Independent Movement (UIM) demands urgent action within the next 3–6 months to address the deteriorating infrastructure in Sasolburg, Vaalpark, and Zamdela townships.

“Successful municipalities allocate sufficient funding to keep infrastructure maintained. They retain skilled staff, plan, monitor, and re-evaluate frequently.

“We urge the Metsimaholo Local Municipality to fulfill its responsibilities and prioritise the safety and well-being of its residents by addressing these critical infrastructure issues,” Le Hanie concluded.

By Elsje Vermeulen and originally appeared in the Vaalweekblad