This, as residents in the towns of Ladybrand, Excelsior and Tweespruit have been battling to access water and electricity throughout the festive season. The municipality, which owes Eskom and water boards millions is over R150 million indebted to the power utility and is part of the Free State municipalities that collectively owe Eskom R7.8 billion, making the Free State the province with the highest debt and defaulting municipalities. One of the residents, Karl van Heerden, told OFM News it is appalling how infrastructure and service delivery in the municipality has collapsed. He alluded that despite suffering from periodic water and electricity supply, the state of roads and raw sewage spillages is getting worse and not much seems to be done about the situation.

Sound: Mantsopa Resident

Web: “The situation is really bad. Our town is currently without water. We have severe water restrictions. The infrastructure has collapsed, the roads are falling apart, then electricity network is also totally dilapidated” says Van Heerden.

It is alleged that there are no plans in place to improve water reservoirs capacity and that the municipality overall fails to put in place maintenance plans for their infrastructure.

OFM News earlier in June reported on protests that broke out in Ladybrand over violent service delivery protests, which saw mayor Mamsie Tsoene requesting an intervention from Premier Sisi Ntombela’s office.

This municipality is listed in the latest Auditor-General report as amongst the Free State municipalities with irregular expenditures and requiring urgent intervention.

Meanwhile, the municipality is yet to respond to OFM News’ enquires.

OFM News