A few days after local SMMEs raised concerns over the lack of procurement opportunities at both the Praktiseer Shushumela Contract A and B access roads, the mayor of Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality (FTLM), Eddie Maila, intervened in the matter.

Maila engaged residents of Ward 13 and Ward 18 during community meetings held at Batubatse Primary School on Saturday.

The interactions also formed part of the municipality’s continuous efforts to update residents on service delivery progress and strengthen participatory governance within communities.

Currently, the municipality is implementing Shushumela Contract A and Contract B, aimed at improving mobility, road safety and access to socio-economic opportunities in both wards.

Addressing the community, Maila cautioned individuals who deliberately disrupt projects with the aim of drawing attention or leveraging personal interests.

He emphasised that such actions negatively affect progress, deprive communities of vital services, and should come to an end.

“There are established channels to raise concerns. We encourage residents to utilise these platforms in a respectful and disciplined manner. These projects belong to the community and it is our shared responsibility to ensure they are successfully completed,” said Maila.

The mayor further appealed to contractors to ensure transparency and fairness in subcontracting processes by advertising opportunities broadly and allowing SMMEs equal access and participation in the local economy.

Residents were given an opportunity to raise their concerns and share feedback on developments.

Maila expressed appreciation for the constructive engagement and reaffirmed his commitment to open communication.

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“As I have consistently said, the Office of the Mayor remains open to engagement on any service delivery concerns. Our focus is to work hand-in-hand with communities for better outcomes,” he added.