Despite numerous warnings concerning a massive water-filled hole in Motseki, Hennenman, a ten-year-old child has drowned.
On 28 February, the child drowned in the hole that had initially been opened up in 2021 in pursuit of connecting a sewer line in Phomolong.
“For three years now, since the term of Mayor Nkosinjani Speelman, nothing has been done to close the hole and avert this drowning,” says Maxie Badenhorst, councillor for ward 3.
Badenhorst says in December a community member again raised the dangers of the hole.
“After the heavy rain we experienced during the week of 13 February, the acting unit manager was forwarded photos of children swimming in the hole, and we again warned him of the danger of children drowning.
“Nothing came of the warning, and nothing was done to secure the area,” says Badenhorst.
Four days after the drowning, the hole was filled.
“Over the past few weeks, since the motion of no confidence (MONC) was brought against the executive mayor of Matjhabeng, Thanduxolo Khalipha, it has become impossible to get a reaction from the Office of the Mayor, or even the newly appointed municipal manager, Adv. Lonwabo Ronald Ngoqo,” says Badenhorst.
She says the heavy rains have caused constant flooding in the area.
“I have begged the municipal manager for assistance with the blocked storm water channel, which is also a danger to the surrounding community,” says Badenhorst.
She has submitted a request to the department of town planning and infrastructure to visit the area and compile a plan to avert further flooding.
“For more than a year, I have been begging the municipality to assist with the roads in Motseki.
“Ambulances and police vehicles are unable to enter the area, and patients have to be carried on stretchers to the R70 to be taken to hospital.
“When there is just a little bit of rain, taxis are unable to pick up the school children. To date, not a single attempt has been made to assist the residents of Motseki, and every time the clouds gather, I fear for more flooding,” says Badenhorst.
