Mariental residents on Wednesday petitioned the Mariental municipality, calling for an independent investigation into alleged irregularities in the Extension five relocation process, improved municipal service delivery and stronger economic development initiatives.
The petition alleges irregularities in the allocation of municipal erven, including a lack of transparency, abuse of authority, intimidation of applicants and unequal treatment during the relocation process.
The residents are also demanding a forensic audit of the allocations, the publication of beneficiary lists and selection criteria and the suspension of officials implicated in the allegations pending the outcome of an investigation.
Speaking on behalf of the petitioners, spokesperson Jacob Jasson says residents have exhausted other avenues and decided to formally submit their concerns to the municipality.
“We are here to ensure our voices are heard through the proper channels. Our community deserves transparency, accountability and equal treatment. We believe the concerns raised in this petition are in the best interest of all residents, and we trust the council will give them the attention they deserve,” he says.
The petition also raises concerns about deteriorating municipal services, including poor infrastructure maintenance, delayed responses to public complaints, inadequate refuse management and the weak implementation of municipal programmes.
Residents further accused the municipality’s economic development department of failing to attract investment, support small businesses and create employment opportunities.
Receiving the petition, Mariental municipality management committee chairperson Hermanus Isaack thanked the residents for submitting their grievances through the appropriate channels.
“This enables us, as leaders, to work on issues that have been formally submitted. We appreciate that you came in peace and clearly outlined the concerns you want addressed. We have received your petition, and the council will consider the matters raised,” Isaack said.
The petitioners requested a written response from the municipality within seven days, outlining the actions it intends to take regarding the issues raised.
