Dalena Dennis who is the Democratic Alliance Councillor of the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality says the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Mangaung in the Free State is currently circulating a petition to increase pressure on the municipality to urgently clean up the illegal dumping sites plaguing Ward 3 and implement sustainable waste management solutions that protect residents’ health and restore dignity to the area.
Illegal dumping in Dunlop, Mill, and Hamilton Streets has now reached crisis levels, with piles of waste growing larger by the day. This is more than just an eyesore; it has become a serious health hazard, attracting rodents, creating breeding grounds for disease, and lowering the quality of life for everyone in the vicinity. Business owners are suffering the consequences as customers avoid the area, while residents are left to navigate through filth daily.
Numerous calls, WhatsApp messages, and formal Rule 38 questions have been submitted to the relevant Member of the Management Committee (MMC), Councillor Jonas. Yet, these attempts to engage the municipality have all been met with silence. This lack of response is not only disrespectful to the community but further evidence of the ANC-led government’s inability, or refusal, to carry out even the most basic service delivery responsibilities.
The petition provides affected residents and businesses with a formal channel to express their frustration and demand accountability. The growing support for this petition is a clear indication that the community has had enough of being ignored and neglected.
The DA recognises that clean, safe environments are not a luxury; they are a fundamental right. We remain committed to restoring order through better governance, proactive service delivery, and regular oversight. Illegal dumping must be tackled at its root through more vigorous enforcement of municipal bylaws, effective waste collection systems, and accountability from municipal leadership.
The residents of Ward 3 and Mangaung at large are tired of broken promises. Many are already looking to the upcoming election as an opportunity to vote out the ANC and bring in a DA government that will take decisive action to improve the living conditions of all communities.