Questions, questions and more questions are cropping up concerning service delivery and local government in Louis Trichardt and surrounds.

Questions come up in discussions around town. Questions have been raised by the Democratic Alliance in council. Questions are asked by the Soutpansberg Ratepayers Association. Questions are raised by the media. Are they part of a conspiracy or is it rather a case that residents across the spectrum want to see proper service delivery? People are concerned about their town.

Questions concerning the water supply are of the essence. The water supply is interrupted so often that the term ´continuous´ barely applies.

“What is the problem and what plan does Council have in place to solve this problem?” the ratepayers ask.

Regarding the question on the availability of water for domestic use, the SRPA recently announced that it had come up with its own solution, namely to install water tanks for its members, with the cost to be defrayed from the rates and taxes being withheld.

Other questions pertain to the town’s appearance. Why is the town dirty and full of litter? Why are pavements overgrown with long grass? Why has grass been allowed to grow right into the tarred roads? Residents look around them and ask these questions. What is being done in terms of preventative maintenance in all spheres and especially regarding the roads?

“Preventative maintenance on roads is much more economical than expensive repairs afterwards. All over town we see potholes formed that should be fixed before the damage becomes too extensive. What plans have been made to rectify the situation and to maintain these roads?” Ms Inga Gilfillan, of the communication division of the SRPA, asked this week.

The Democratic Alliance has also put questions to Council concerning the roads. They requested a list of all potholes in the Louis Trichardt CBD and residential areas within Louis Trichardt, including the former R293 townships. They wanted specific details on the number of bags of tar in stock. An important question is the one asking for a maintenance plan on potholes and an action list on when these potholes will be fixed.

“There seems to be a serious challenge regarding the availability of material for general maintenance and new water and electrical connections,” DA Cllr Brian du Plooy said this week. Questions in this regard have also been put to Council

“Why does raw sewerage run into stormwater drains? What is the plan to prevent this dangerous and unhealthy situation?” Gilfillan asked. “Storm water drains take the water to the lowest part of the town, which is where the boreholes are from which a large part of the town is supplied with drinking water. It appears that the storm water system is blocked. Why has it not been opened?” asked a resident, Mr Carel Breytenbach.

Questions pertaining to the financial state of affairs have also been raised. The DA put questions to Council about the enforcing of measures regarding credit control and debt collection. In other words, what about the people owing monies on their municipal account without having their electricity disconnected? These questions are particularly relevant after it had come to light that the Black Leopards football club, which uses several residences in town, apparently owes close to R200 000 in municipal rates and taxes.

What is not clear is when the answers will be forthcoming? Detailed written answers seem to be a challenge for the Makhado Municpality.

“We have put the questions to Council and hopefully the questions will be answered at the council meeting in October,” Cllr Du Plooy said.