FOLLOWING the overwhelming criticism of the dysfunctionality Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality in the Free State, ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa has broken his silence.
Ramaphosa revealed that the Royal House of Bakoena ba Mopeli, under King Moremoholo Mopeli, informed him about the pressing water and electricity challenges.
He expressed his commitment to the resuscitation of the factories that had been shut down.
"I did say to him that one of our plans is to resuscitate those that used to be here and further industrialise our country. We need to revive the economic activities and create jobs here. I reassured him that creating jobs is our top priority.
ALSO READ: Seven years later, father still in tears
"We're going to focus on the resuscitation of those factories, where we can subsidise, revive, and revamp our infrastructure and invite other investors to come and invest here. We encourage the private sector to also invest," said Ramaphosa while addressing the media at Phuthaditjhaba Stadium, where he was holding the ANC Siyanqoba rally on Sunday, 28 April.
Ramaphosa acknowledged the widespread complaints about the water crisis in this municipality. He assured that Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu and his department are making plans to address the water problems.
"He (minister Mchunu) and his department have a very good understanding of water architect of our country. Everyone is focusing on the end of the problem.
"The issue of electricity is as a result of a number of factors. One of them is nonpayment to Eskom. As a result of dysfunctional governance, corruption and all those factors, we are going to put things right. This is our responsibility," he said.
Ramaphosa has faced harsh criticism from the Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality youth and other political parties for making empty promises.
