Urgent attention is needed to fix the dilapidated Fochville “stasiepad” connecting the R500 and R54 roads in Gauteng

Motorists travelling to Potchefstroom from Fochville are being forced to use a provincial road that is in bad condition. “Stasiepad” is situated close to Fochville and connects the R500 and the R54 roads is a popular alternative route to get to Potchefstroom without using the dangerous N12.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) Political Head for Merafong, Ina Cilliers MPL, and the DA Councillor in Merafong, Carl Steenekamp, recently conducted an oversight inspection on this road.

Previous attempts to have this road fixed have fallen on deaf ears. The recent heavy rains have caused a resurgence of dangerous potholes, posing a significant risk to motorists.

See pictures here

The DA urgently calls on the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport to prioritise the rehabilitation of this road and provide us with regular updates.

The stretch of road near the Silos at the R54 road had undergone repairs in the past. However, it has become evident that these interventions were insufficient, as the potholes reappear each time it rains.
Furthermore, additional potholes have emerged along the entire road, necessitating comprehensive attention and immediate action. The current state of disrepair poses a grave threat, particularly during night-time, when visibility is reduced, increasing the likelihood of accidents and injuries.

The DA will be submitting written questions to the Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale. The questions will seek clarity on the department’s plans and timelines for the road’s restoration and the measures being taken to ensure public safety in the interim.

The DA acknowledges the challenges faced by the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport but emphasises that road infrastructure maintenance is essential for the well-being and safety of all road users. Swift action must be taken to address this matter and prevent further harm. Together, we can work towards a safer and more efficient road network in Gauteng.

DA exposes irregularities with by-election voters roll in ward 16 Merafong

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Merafong has become aware of possible fraudulent activities related to registering voters ahead of the by-election taking place in Carletonville on 5 April. We have already objected to the voter’s roll, we had a meeting with the MEO, and we took him through our submission, we have also received a reply from the IEC that they have received our objection.

During the registration weekend, we observed at both voting stations that people were being bussed in from outside of ward 16 to register to vote in the by-election. We have also been approached by residents who are aware that both the ANC and the EFF were registering residents from outside the ward.

Our inspection of the voter’s roll revealed hundreds of suspect entries where the same addresses were being used as much as 20 times. It is unlikely that so many instances of multiple, seemingly unrelated residents share the same addresses all over ward 16.

Residents who have been approached to register in a ward where they are not residing should be aware that they will be held to account in their personal capacity if found guilty of electoral fraud.

This type of behaviour by political parties goes against the Electoral Code of Conduct, which all parties have signed. It also calls into question whether this by-election is free and fair as residents of Ward 16 may well end up with a candidate they did not vote for.

We notified the IEC of the suspicious behaviour during the registration weekend, and they promised to do an investigation. However, when the voters roll was released for inspection, we noticed that anomalies had not been addressed.

The DA will take all the necessary steps to ensure that the actual residents of ward 16 can vote on 5 April for a candidate of their choice who will truly serve the community.

Liquor traders suffer as Gauteng Liquor Board struggles to issue licences

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has been approached by affected parties about serious operational problems at the Gauteng Liquor Board (GLB). Liquor traders often incur additional costs by appointing specialist legal counsel to help them navigate the complex and often hostile process of obtaining a liquor license.

In spite of this, liquor traders face long delays in getting their applications approved. Amongst the long list of concerns submitted, it appears that a total lack of leadership and work ethic has taken hold at the GLB.

Phones are never answered, offices are mostly empty, and there is simply no way an applicant can visit the liquor board to track their application because offices are not accessible to the public. The impact of such an unresponsive approach is that liquor traders are forced through no fault of their own into trading illegally.

In order to get to the bottom of the GLBs problems, I have tabled a list of detailed questions in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL). Written questions are a legally binding instrument to force the responsible MEC to table answers to my questions in the Legislature within 10 working days. I will also do an unannounced oversight visit to see for myself what liquor traders are faced with.

The DA will continue to apply pressure on the GLB through the Economic Development Portfolio Committee in the GPL to ensure that all applications are processed as soon as possible.

It is unacceptable that businesses in the province that have applied for a liquor licence have to wait for more than four months to have their applications approved. This only leads to business owners being non-compliant.

If you are a liquor trader who has a pending licence application and struggling to get feedback from the GLB please send us your details here. We will track your application and give feedback.

DA warns Fochville CBD businesses to be vigilant as another protest looms this week

The CBD in our neighbouring town of Parys was brought to a standstill last week by a group of people protesting over electricity load reduction and poor service delivery. Parys businesses were forced to shut down, and residents were advised to remain in their homes.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is warning the community and businesses situated at the Fochville CBD to be vigilant following an announcement by the Kokosi Task Team that they will be marching to Fochville Civic Center to handover a memorandum to the Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Mzi Khumalo.

We have seen the copy of the letter to the MEC for COGTA by the Kokosi Task Team demanding him to come and receive their memorandum regarding the issue of electricity load reduction. According to the letter, the handover will be on 26 January at the Fochville Civic Center at 12:00 pm.

The DA has also been reliably informed that the Kokosi Task Team applied for permission to march however, their application was not approved. This means it will be illegal if they go ahead with the march.

Electricity load reduction is a huge challenge facing all communities in Merafong. However, proper channels and procedures to apply for a march are put in place to ensure the protection of all civil rights. By so doing, police will be deployed to ensure the safety of the protestors and the surrounding area where they will be marching. This will ensure that no opportunist elements intend to destabilise businesses in the area.

The businesses and residents must not suffer any losses because of the incompetency of the Merafong Local Municipality, which is failing to deliver basic services.

The DA will engage with the SAPS, local CPFs and local community safety to ensure police visibility in and around the Fochville CBD on 26 January to ensure the safety of our people and businesses.

We also urge the community to follow the proper channels to apply for marches, as it is within their right to protest. Community members are encouraged to report any instances of looting or associated criminal activity. Here is a link to report any criminal elements:

Scan this QR code below to join the group:

DA to make submissions to MDB in Carletonville

Tomorrow, 24 July 2015, DA Gauteng Constituency head for Merafong, Ina Cilliers MPL, DA Merafong Caucus Leader, Cllr Blackie Zwart, fellow DA Merafong councillors and DA activists will attend and make submissions to the Municipal Demarcation Board at its public participation meeting regarding the proposed formation of a metropolitan municipality.

 

Date: 24 July 2015

Time: 10:00

Venue: Merafong Civic Centre, Goud Street, Carletonville

 

There will be opportunities for interviews and photographs. Members of the media are welcome to attend.

 

Media enquiries:

Ina Cilliers MPL

DA Gauteng Constituency Head – Merafong

060 556 4344

 

Cllr Blackie Zwart

DA Merafong Caucus Leader

082 552 4710