Ratlou – In what has been described as “taking the bull by its horns”, North West MEC for Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Manketsi Tlhape is tackling service delivery protest actions which mushroomed recently in the province head-on, in an effort to quell down the situation. Yesterday MEC Tlhape visited the Setlagole village in the Ratlou local municipality to address yet another protest action by angry community members who blockaded roads with burning tyres and stones.
Amongst others residents of Setlagole, are complaining about lack of water, poor states of roads, lack of employment opportunities and high incidents of crime.
MEC Tlhape reassured residents that government has not abandoned them. “It might have taken longer in some instances for provision of services to take place, but government can never desert its own people. I appeal for patience as we try to address your demands. A Rapid Response Team established recently in my office will be in constant touch with your leaders to amicably resolve you concerns” said MEC Tlhape.
She further appealed for residents to cut short their protest action. “It’s important that you remain calm and allow stability to prevail while we try to resolve your demands. In the meantime guard against destroying important public facilities as the community will be in desperate need of such amenities in the future,” she added.
On Thursday last week, MEC Tlhape also addressed the rampant community of Khunotswana village near Zeerust under Ramotshere Moiloa Municipality.
Khunotswana residents were complaining about the 84 kimoleter gravel road between Tweefontein and Jagersfontein, lack of houses, sanitation, water, electricity in recently build houses, community hall and hi-mast lights. MEC Tlhape promised to bring relevant stakeholders to the community soon to address the raised concerns.
Contact person:
Dineo Lolokwane
Cell: 072 542 8444
