Taung communities upbeat about roads currently under construction
Community members in the Greater Taung Local Municipality believe the upgrading and the construction of some of the roads in their municipality will change their lives for the better.
The provincial Department of Public Works and Roads is constructing a road between Matsheng and Molelema as well as the D221 Road from Manokwane to Magogong villages at a cost of R120 million. This construction include the upgrading of Manokwane Bridge over Kolong River.
The Department is also upgrading the tarred road between Manthe and Tlapeng villages which has since deteriorated. The tarred road which is being re-sealed over three phases is to be completed in the new financial year.
Despite this task at hand, the Department remains committed to upgrading roads in the province and changing the lives of the masses. This was reiterated by MEC for Public Works and Roads, Mmule Maluleke, who engaged with the community of Baga-Maidi in Molelema village near Taung on Thursday, to address some of their grievances.
The community embarked on a protest action demanding tar roads on D208 and D209 respectively. This led to the looting of local shops, the torching of a community hall and a supermarket, while school learners were barred from going to school.
“We requested the community to give us seven days to engage with relevant people in our quest to get answers. As the department, we will revert to the community and inform them about our decision. We’ll also gather more information regarding all affected areas” said MEC Maluleke.
Maluleke urged all communities in Bokone Bophirima to work with the provincial government in the spirit of Saamwerk-Saamtrek.
“We urge them to have patience and to have confidence in our government as we cannot construct all roads at once. We have also agreed to grade roads across the province to the level of tar roads. This will be easy to tar those roads when there is budget available said MEC Maluleke.
One of the community leaders, Makoro Mothibi said they welcome the commitment made by Maluleke, even though they would have wanted to resolve the matter immediately. He remains upbeat that the matter will be resolved soon, so that they can have better roads.
Enquiries:
Brian Setswambung
Cell: 076 012 4501
E-mail: bsetswambung@nwpg.gov.za
