Residents across South Africa’s North West Province are urging Premier Lazarus Mokgosi to deliver concrete and practical solutions to the region’s ongoing service delivery challenges in his upcoming State of the Province Address, scheduled for tomorrow at the provincial legislature.
The address comes amid widespread frustration over persistent issues including job creation, reliable water provision, and improved healthcare services, which residents describe as among the most pressing concerns impacting their daily lives. They are also calling for clear timelines on the completion of unfinished infrastructure projects that have lingered for years.
In recent assessments of key initiatives announced by Premier Mokgosi last year to enhance service delivery, progress has been mixed. The land bus parcels and the incomplete Marram project are currently under the control of a curator, marking a significant milestone in unlocking this flagship project that has been stalled for more than a decade. However, the project remains incomplete and is subject to ongoing police investigations.
Construction of a new 101 million rand sewer pipe is set to begin, following the introduction of a contractor to the community two weeks ago, indicating some slight progress. Delays persist in other areas, however, due to contractors abandoning projects and a nearby pipe burst that has remained unfixed since 2023.
Residents have voiced specific expectations for the Premier’s address. One emphasized the need to prioritize youth unemployment, alongside water and sanitation challenges in rural areas. Others highlighted severe health issues linked to inadequate budgets for health services, poor road conditions marked by numerous potholes and “graves on the roads,” and the urgent requirement for more police presence to combat drug-related problems, particularly addiction among young children.
Preparations at the provincial legislature are in full swing, with all systems go for the event. Officials have engaged stakeholders to ensure smooth proceedings, noting that tomorrow is a working day. Arrangements focus on minimizing inconvenience for commuters through effective security measures, readiness of the chamber, and confirmation of the Premier’s preparedness. Everything is reported to be up to standard.
As the province awaits Premier Lazarus Mokgosi’s address, residents hope it will outline decisive steps toward addressing these longstanding service delivery crises and restoring confidence in governance.