Phokwane: The government has pledged to enhance interventions aimed at addressing ongoing service delivery issues in Phokwane Local Municipality, located in the Northern Cape.
According to South African Government News Agency, Deputy Minister of Human Settlements Tandi Mahambehlala made this commitment during an Integrated Service Delivery Outreach Visit to Phokwane in the Frances Baard District. The visit was conducted on behalf of Deputy President Paul Mashatile as part of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Service Delivery's efforts, chaired by the Deputy President.
The municipality has been grappling with several challenges, including unreliable water supply, ageing infrastructure, housing backlogs, unemployment, and electricity interruptions. During the visit, Mahambehlala emphasized the necessity for government leaders to engage directly with communities to understand their challenges first-hand. "Today is therefore not merely an exercise in listening. It is part of holding all spheres of government accountable for delivery," she stated.
The outreach included visits to the Vaalharts/Taung Irrigation Scheme, the Vala Zonke Project, and the Pecan Nut Processing Plant, aimed at assessing both the development potential and the obstacles inhibiting economic growth in the municipality. Residents have voiced concerns about service delivery failures, which include unreliable water supply, potholes, sewer spillages, and electricity interruptions, among others. Mahambehlala acknowledged that while progress has been made in some areas, the pace of implementation has been slower than what communities deserve.
Water and sanitation issues, particularly in Pampierstad with asbestos pipelines and recurring pipe bursts, were highlighted. Mahambehlala assured that government projects are underway to upgrade bulk water and sanitation infrastructure. Regarding housing, she recognized the longstanding frustrations over backlogs and delays, identifying projects in areas like Ganspan and Bonita Park but noting that delivery remains unsatisfactory.
Unemployment, with an estimated rate of 43% in the municipality, was also a significant concern. Mahambehlala urged that investment in communities should translate into jobs, skills, and enterprise opportunities, calling for strengthened local recruitment and procurement processes. She advocated for a TVET college in the area to expand access to post-school education and training, emphasizing that young people should not have to leave their communities to access opportunities.
Addressing infrastructure challenges, Mahambehlala mentioned the Kolong Road Project and the Vala Zonke Programme as current interventions, while pointing out the need for investment in electrification and network upgrades, alongside measures to combat vandalism and electricity theft.
She emphasized the importance of the District Development Model, advocating for a collaborative approach among national, provincial, and local governments to ensure efficient service delivery. Mahambehlala concluded by assuring residents that their concerns would be reported directly to the Deputy President, reiterating the government's commitment to addressing these challenges.