MATAT VIEWPOINT

UPDATE ON THE STATUS QUO — ROADS INFRASTRUCTURE REFURBISHMENT IN MATATIELE

FOLLOWING a four-day community protest that led to a total shutdown in Matatiele, the municipality confirms that plant maintenance machinery started operations on August 27.

The prioritised roads include DR08646 (Sam Kerk to Ongeluksnek), DR08013 (Maluti to Ramatshidiso/Mzongwana), and DR08069 (Khoapa to Mariazell).

A steering committee, which is led by the Mayor Cllr. Momelezi Mbedla, was established to oversee the process of roads maintenance and act as the liaison between the department and the community. The steering committee will closely monitor progress of the work and play an oversight role.

The mayor and members of the steering committee have reassured the Department of Roads and Transport that the machinery is safe. This following an unfortunate incident that took place during the protests where three vehicles and a temporal structure belonging to the department were set alight.

Other roads that are in a bad state in and around Matatiele will get refurbishment once the prioritised roads are completed.

These arrangements are in line with commitments made by the MEC of Roads and Transport Weziwe Tikana during her engagement with Matatiele stakeholders a few days ago.

“The department is serious about fixing roads in all areas of the province, including in Matatiele”, she said.

LET US HELP YOU MARKET YOUR GOOD WORK

Matatiele Local Municipality is in full support of all citizens who take up the call and make a difference in our society and building the society they envisage. The municipality applauds and encourages every initiative aimed at transforming the lives of the less privileged people in our communities.

It is with this in mind that the municipality wishes to extend our helping hand, through our Special Programmes and Communications unit, to assist all Matatiele heroes who wish to host special programmes dedicated to the needy. The assistance afforded will not be of financial value but will be assistance in the form of marketing exposure. Such exposure usually goes a long way in attracting sponsorships. Visit our Facebook page for further details.

PUBLIC SAFETY IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY

The municipality, through the Public Safety Unit and in partnership with the provincial traffic and SAPS, conducted a two-day Drunken Driving joint operation in Matatiele area on August 24 and August 25. Seventeen drivers accused of driving under the influence were arrested during the weekend. More campaigns are going to be conducted to ensure people adhere to the rules of the roads. Be warned.

In our quest to move Matatiele forward, responsible action is key.

“We are a Destination of Choice and Excellence.”