Alex Matlala
LIMPOPO – COOPERATIVE governance, human settlements and traditional affairs (Coghsta) MEC, Makoma Makhurupetje says she was misinformed regarding service progress in the Bolobedu area.
This followed after angry residents of Mawa block 8, 9 and 12 in Bolobedu outside Tzaneen accused the MEC of lying to them about the electrification of their areas.
The residents went on to say that Makhurupetje, who grew up in the area, was a poor leader who ignored the plight of the poorest of the poor. According to them, Makhurupetje promised residents they would receive electricity and a bulk water supply speedily. She also reportedly said there was a possibility that a tar road would be constructed from Mawa block 12 to Mokwakwaila.
The MEC’s visit came after residents who were at their wits’ end took to the streets and barricaded all the roads leading to town and schools in the area in a bid to force government to take their plight seriously.
Commenting on the villagers’ allegations, Makhurupetje said her commitments to the villagers had been made based on the information received from Eskom that work would be underway by May 1.
She added that it was her responsibility as political head of Coghsta to liaise with all organs of state involved in the said projects.
“I was misinformed. I was told that Eskom was close to completing the feasibility study and work would commence soon,” she explained. She would follow the matter up, she further said.
Residents, including Sophy Manyama, said: “we are tired of her empty lies.
“We as the community have resolved that we will not take part in the upcoming local government elections”.
Several residents said crimes such as rape could have been prevented if the area had been electrified, and some former learners said they had dropped out of school as they could not study successfully by candlelight.
