The executive mayor of the J.B. Marks Municipality, Gaba Ka Qhele, and various councillors and directors from different departments within the municipality rolled up their sleeves this week as part of the Thuntsa Lerole accelerated service delivery programme. The mayor was hard at work with a wheelbarrow and a pick axe along the N12 on Tuesday, 21 November, as he and the technical services team helped fix a massive pothole at the N12 and Sarafina Street intersection. Other councillors also helped to cut the grass in Ward 18, next to Ditaelong Primary School.

The primary aim and focus of the Thuntsa Lerole programme is to ensure the government provides diverse services through the District Development Model (DDM). District municipalities exercise a coordination function, while local municipalities serve as direct beneficiaries of the programme and its related services.

According to J.B. Marks municipal spokesperson Jeanette Tshite, the Thuntsa Lerole programme will run from Monday, 20 November, to Thursday, 14 December, when numerous municipal services will be provided.

“Cleaning illegal dumping sites is one of those activities scheduled to occur during the programme. Areas to be attended include the Steve Tshwete Clinic, the power station in front of Tshupane Primary School alongside the Keotshepile Primary School fence, Mogolodi Street, the sports grounds next to Mosaic, and Dan Tloome Primary School.

Four hotspots around the same area include the Extension 6 sports grounds, Snake Park, an illegal dumping area at Tontobane Street, Ext. 6 Areaganeng Street and so forth,” she added.

Service delivery activities as part of the Thuntsa Lerole programme include:

• Issuing identification documents (IDs)
• Issuing birth certificates
• Issuing title deeds
• Resolution of queries/challenges in the Municipal Statement of Accounts
• Cleaning illegal dumping sites
• Unblocking sewer lines
• Resolution of electricity-related queries/challenges.