The Democratic Alliance (DA) in JB Marks has voiced strong concern over the deteriorating state of key municipal facilities, including the Potchefstroom Town Hall, the Madiba Banquet Hall, and the Municipal Library.

According to DA councillor Sean Trautmann, buildings that once served as symbols of civic pride have now become unsafe and hazardous due to years of neglect and poor maintenance.

Oversight visits by the DA revealed leaking roofs, collapsing ceilings, broken plumbing, faulty electrical systems, and missing or expired fire extinguishers. “Instead of being safe, functional spaces for community use, these buildings have become hazard zones,” Trautmann said.

Following repeated unanswered requests to the Speaker’s Office, the DA escalated the matter to the Department of Labour. An Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) inspection confirmed several serious contraventions, including:

• Faulty electrical infrastructure posing a fire hazard

• Leaking roofs and collapsing ceilings

• Dysfunctional plumbing, blocked drains, and broken fittings

• Expired or missing fire extinguishers

• Lack of evacuation signage or emergency preparedness

• Broken windows and doors compromising security

As a result, a contravention notice was issued to the municipality on July 21. The municipality has been given until September 19 to bring these facilities into compliance with OHS regulations.

Trautmann stressed that failure to act will leave both employees and residents at risk and could result in enforcement action against the municipality.

“It is unacceptable that residents are denied safe, functional public facilities while ANC-run JB Marks continues to mismanage resources. The DA will continue to fight for accountability and safe, dignified facilities,” he said.

The municipality did not respond to the Herald’s requests for comment.