TZANEEN – Goue Jare Old Age Home in Modjadjiskloof received much-needed assistance from a local company that provided a honey sucker to empty an overflowing septic tank at the facility.

The intervention came after the home had reportedly struggled for days to obtain assistance from the Greater Letaba Municipality (GLM).

GLM’s DA Clr Matome Ramalepe thanked Quality Plant Hire for responding to the situation and providing the equipment needed to address the problem.

“Their response helped resolve a situation that had become a serious concern for the facility and surrounding area,” Ramalepe said.

A matron’s plea for help

According to him, the management of Goue Jare had contacted the municipality numerous times seeking assistance but had allegedly received no resolution.

“The matron reached out to us after making numerous attempts to get assistance from the municipality. As councillors, Chrisma Bredenkamp and I immediately tried to assist because this is a facility caring for elderly residents and the matter needed urgent attention,” Ramalepe said.

A reply with no timeline

Ramalepe said he subsequently contacted the municipality and was informed that its honey sucker was out of service.

“The response we received was that their honey sucker was broken and they did not know when it would be repaired. They could also not guarantee when assistance would be available,” he said.

Frustration over silence

Ramalepe expressed frustration over what he described as a recurring lack of communication with residents when municipal services are unavailable.

“This has become a serious frustration.

When there are challenges with equipment or service delivery, residents deserve to be informed.

“They should not have to continuously call the municipality without receiving proper feedback,” he said.

The GLM spokesperson did not respond to the Herald’s enquiry regarding the honey sucker.