Mabuza promises Limpopo village a tarred road

ANC Deputy President David Mabuza has promised residents of Thomo and Hlomela villages outside Giyani in Limpopo, that construction of a 32km road will start in two weeks. Mabuza addressed scores of residents on other service delivery issues including the shortage of water. Mabuza says a contractor has already been appointed.

What was initially planned to be an address to attract votes, ended up being more of a question and answer session. Mabuza fielded questions about the slow pace of service delivery at villages such as Thomo and Hlomela.

Mabuza’s security team and the police had to deal with a crowd of angry residents when scuffles unfolded as some of the residents wanted to force their way onto the stage. The residents demanded a tarred road. Mabuza says he is aware of this particular challenge. Mabuza has promised residents that construction will start in fourteen days.

“The message that I am bringing is that the contractor to build the road has been appointed. We were put under much pressure by the king and the community. RAL happened to come to our rescue; they’ve appointed the contractor. Today the contractor was introduced so we think it is all systems go, but the other matter they are raising it is water, it is a matter that we are going to take it up with them.”

Residents have welcomed the news, saying a tarred road will encourage them to visit voting stations in May.

“We are happy that the deputy president came to our area and has promised to deliver on his promise of a road, hoping that he keeps his promise that will make us go and vote in the next elections, otherwise we are not going to cast our mark.”

The area, under the Giyani cluster, also faces acute water shortages. Water and Sanitation Minister Gugile Nkwinti visited parts of the area on Friday, promising that a company they recently appointed will help alleviate those challenges.