With Ratanda still grappling with water shortages and the aftermath of deadly protests in July, which claimed two lives, attention is shifting to the formation of a new government in the Lesedi Local Municipality.
Both the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party say they will consult their national leadership on potential coalition arrangements.
However, both parties maintain that they are open to working with other political parties willing to cooperate.
DA mayoral candidate for the Lesedi Municipality, Mokete Motsamai, says the party has committed to addressing water shortages and ensuring a reliable electricity supply.
“What we’ve committed to the residents of the city in our pledge was that we’re going to make sure we prioritise the issue of water. As we speak, in Rathanda, there are still areas that are without water. We’ve committed that, as we come in, we’ll prioritise ensuring that all residents have a water supply at all times because it is a basic right. People are typically paying for water, so it makes no sense for them to go without water for days. We’ve also committed to prioritising a consistent and reliable electricity supply.”
VIDEO | Ratanda residents have struggled with access for water for months:
– Report by Musa Mhlongo