And now the residents are preparing for a legal battle to get full and final control of the municipal water and sewage systems.
Kgetlengrivier municipality is clearly the poster child for municipal collapse in SA. But, it is also a possible example of the way forward for frustrated residents to take back control of their towns from corrupt politicians and useless officials
The municipality includes the towns of Koster, Reagile, Derby, Redile, Swartruggens and Borelelo and is decaying by the day.
Our writer describes the area as reverting back to a “pre-industrial era” as main streets become like ox wagon trails, water supplies are interrupted and sewage is everywhere.
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Poor service delivery
What is appalling is that the council – the people supposedly elected to run the community and ensure services are provided – has been fighting tooth and nail to stop civil society stepping in to try to repair the damage.
Ratepayers helped provide clean regular water supplies – but were stopped after legal action by the council.
It is apparent that there is sabotage to the water system so well-connected businesspeople can make money out of lucrative water tanker contracts.
The civic-minded citizens have managed to rescue and restore the local post office, which was being looted to a shell, but which now provides accommodation for small businesses
Legal battle against the municipality
And now the residents are preparing for a legal battle to get full and final control of the municipal water and sewage systems.
Andreas Peen, the attorney representing the residents, says that when the Supreme Court of Appeal hears the matter in Bloemfontein this year, the residents are “hoping for a precedent that will allow residents and private businesses in towns all over the country to take back control of vital services, such as water and sewage, from dysfunctional municipalities.
“We believe the situation has become so dire that the courts must intervene to restore order.” If this is the only way to make our towns and cities work properly, then so be it.
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