In a major step toward making government services more accessible to Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp areas, the North West Provincial Government led by the Office of the Premier Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi, joined by members of the executive council, the District executive mayor Nikiwe Num and the local municipality Troika addressed service delivery challenges across the local municipality.
Residents of Ga-Mogopa, Goedgevonden and Boikhutsong villages as well as Tshing and Ikageng townships which fall under JB Marks Local Municipality in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, experienced activities of service delivery that led to the roll out of phase 5 Thuntsha Lerole programme that took place on Friday, 05 September at Ga-Mogopa.
Before heading to Ga-Mogopa Community Hall, government leaders distributed sanitary towels and school shoes to learners in the area.
Four Community Art Centers (CAC), namely Kanana CAC, Kopano ke Mmatla (CAC), Tswelelang CAC and Steve Biko CAC received administrative packs – laptops, toner cartridges, mobile speakers, paints and paint brushes from the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation.
Speaking at the programme, the stand in Premier and MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha said the programme reflects decisive action and strong collaboration between provincial and local government.
“We must congratulate the residents of Ga-Mogopa for asking questions that are provided with solutions,” said Sambatha.
Sambatha said the programme is meant to fix and deal with service delivery issues around the province.
He admitted that the area is struggling with a water supply crisis that involves persistent water shortages, poor water quality and frequent outages.
He also raised concerns about community-based brick making and vegetable programmes that are delayed by community squabbles.
“It is important for community members to unite and work together on projects that are proposed and funded by the government,” Sambatha said.
Provincial Head of Communication, Brian Setswambung said the government is intentional about promoting and providing financial support to developing businesses.
Setswambung indicated that at least two local entrepreneurs received dummy cheques from the Empowerment Fund, three RDP houses were handed over in Tshing Extension 9, as part of a broader allocation of 147 houses in the region.
“In a bid to fast-track the issuing of title deeds to the rightful beneficiaries, a total of 276 title deeds will be distributed across the local municipality, with 10 being handed over during a community feedback session at Ga-Mogopa Community Hall.
“To boost local infrastructure and improve visibility and safety, a new solar high mast light was installed at Ga-Mogopa village, while the six existing lights will be repaired. Among other services provided to the residents of JB Marks Local Municipality on Friday were a Jojo tank and related accessories as well as a vegetable garden kit which will be handed over to the Mogopa Satellite Clinic,” said Setswambung.
The acting executive mayor, Cllr Gerald Amos Modise, confirmed that road blading and potholes patching activities will continue to be carried out across the local municipality.
A community member, Esther Segakweng, expressed gratitude to the Office of Premier for bringing the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to their area. Segakweng acknowledged the dedicated employees and leadership for their hard work and commitment to citizens’ needs.
“I attended the programme so that I can be assisted with changing my green ID document into a smart card ID. I have managed to apply and submit details for a smart ID. I’m happy with the service rendered here. Such programmes are important because they save taxi fares for us who cannot afford them,” said Segakweng.
