AfriForum Magalies does emergency road repairs to R104 Bokfontein 

The AfriForum branch in the Magalies area near Brits in the North-West has been working since this morning on urgent repairs to the R104 between Hartbeespoort and Rustenburg. The extremely poor service by the Madibeng Municipality has led to the decision by farmers to act and repair the roads themselves.

"The infrastructure in the area is collapsing due to poor service delivery. The Madibeng Municipality has simply abandoned the very people they are paid to serve. AfriForum wants the Municipality to decide whether they are truly serving the people of the area or not. At the moment that does not appear to be the case," said Ian Cameron, Organiser for AfriForum in the North-West.

Poor maintenance of roads in the district is one of the big issues. Bad roads have led to vehicles being damaged and a number of accidents.  AfriForum Magalies believe they can make a big difference by starting small community initiatives such as these can slowly but surely help to raise the standards.

"A few farmers in the community together with their labourers started to fix the roads today. We want the Government to understand very clearly that we take pride in our environment and care about its appearance. That is why we are stepping in. Municipalities must become aware that we have to do their work for them. Madibeng promises, but those promises are nothing but hot air!" Cameron added.

AfriForum made it clear that they will "support the community to protect their right to proper service delivery".

AfriForum Magalies insists that taxpayers must receive the services for which they are paying. "We shall continue this struggle. The Municipality does not take seriously its duty to provide services. Why should citizens continue paying good money for no service? This is quickly becoming a trend in South Africa," Cameron said.

He continued by stating that maladministration is rife at the Madibeng Municipality and that there are serious doubts about the competence of some of the officials. "Vacant posts may be contributing to the poor service, but we will be able to get more clarity once we have completed our investigation," Cameron said.

Statement issued by Ian Cameron, AfriForum: Organiser for North-West, February 1 2013

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