By Thys Khiba – The African National Congress (ANC) in Fezile Dabi region has welcomed the election of Gregory Nthatisi as the new acting Mayor of Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality on Tuesday.

BREAKING NEWS| Gregory Nthatisi Elected Acting Mangaung Executive Mayor

His election follows a High Court judgement interdicted the African Alliance of Social Democrats (AASD)’s President PapiMokoena, from executing his duties as the mayor.

“The people of our province’s capital must rest assured in the knowledge that in Comrade Nthatisi, they have a loyal and humble servant who will make service provision a top priority,”said conditional support as he embarks on what will undoubtedly be a challenging task.

“As Fezile Dabi region, we are painfully aware of the mammoth task facing comrade Nthatisi. The people of the Free State province, and Mangaung in particular, rightfully demand provision of quality services, and political mudslinging and grandstanding is not what they want,” said Pietersen.

Sello Pietersen, ANC Pietersen

Pietersen indicated that the governing party is convinced that the election of Nthatisi is the right one given the service delivery challenges faced by the City of Mangaung.

The party said a speedy provision of services will receive the necessary attention.

“We therefore take this opportunity to congratulate Commissar Nthatisi and assure him of our unconditional support as he embarks on what will undoubtedly be a challenging task.

“As Fezile Dabi region, we are painfully aware of the mammoth task facing comrade Nthatisi. The people of the Free State province, and Mangaung in particular, rightfully demand provision of quality services, and political mudslinging and grandstanding is not what they want,” said Pietersen.

Meanwhile, Tumahole residents in Parys, in Ngwathe Local Municipality under the Fezile Dabi region led by the ANC, are subjected to inhumane conditions and affected by water outages.

Residents told Central News that months after promises were made by the executive mayor Victoria de Beer-Mthombeni, they are still waiting to have water running from their taps.

Earlier this year, angry residents went on rampage and torched the house of the mayor’s mother and parts of the Ngwathemunicipal in a service delivery protest.

The affected mayor, Dr Beer-Mthombeni alleged that the burning of the house was politically motivated.

Affected residents of Ward 11 indicated that they wake up every morning to get unsafe water from underground pipes.

“It is possible that this water contains harmful chemicals, parasites, toxic chemicals.

“But we don’t have a choice, my brother… we are subjected to these conditions,” said angry resident.

Meanwhile, some residents shared concerns in relation to the impact of lack of water supply in the schools.

“It is easier for a girl child to get infection at school due to toilets that are not flushing.”

Municipal spokesperson Steve Naale said the water-purification plant is functioning and affected affected by power cuts.

“Yes, the plant is the functioning, not to its optimum and load shedding causes delays in terms of water production and distribution hence consideration for alternative energy supply.

“Yes, two filters were fixed, the remain filters are awaiting advertisement process which is already ongoing,” said Naale.

Steve Naale, Ngwathe Municipality Spokesperson

On 25 April, the governing party in the region had assessments of all municipalities in the region at Sasolburg, Metsimaholo Local Municipality.

“This is in accordance with the 7th Regional Conference Resolution to provide political support and direction to our Municipalities, in an effort to strengthen provision of quality services to our people.

“The Leadership of the Region received reports from all ANC Mayors, Council Speakers and Chief Whips from all the five Municipalities in the Region,” said Pietersen.

Pietersen indicated that the meeting focused on budgets, Eskom debts, council meetings,  CWD’s activities, quarterly reports from councillors.

In a statement issued by the ANC Fezile Dabi region, the party admitted some municipal issues require improvement.

CENTRAL NEWS

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