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The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality is urgently appealing to the Free State Department of Health to address the ongoing electricity crisis at Mahaig Clinic in Mabolela, Phuthaditjhaba, now entering its third week.

During our site visit, we witnessed the dire situation at the clinic. This prolonged outage poses a severe threat, especially as certain medications requiring refrigeration are depleting rapidly, leaving the community without vital assistance. The Infrastructure Director in MaP informed the DA that a new transformer is required for restoration. Regrettably, Mahaig Clinic holds the 11th position on the assistance list for electricity restoration.

MaP is currently unable to provide electricity independently. Despite assurances from successive mayors regarding Eskom's imminent assistance mandated by the High Court, no tangible progress has been observed. The DA calls for the immediate release of the Distribution Agency Agreement and implementation plans before the Christmas recess to ensure transparency and effective monitoring.

As a crucial step, we will elevate this matter through our DA Spokesperson in the Free State Provincial Legislature, ensuring that the MEC is fully briefed on this critical issue.

Understanding the paramount importance of health and safety, particularly during a crisis, the DA is committed to closely monitoring the situation until a resolution is achieved. We are committed to bringing change across the country and urge all residents to register to vote in the 2024 National and Provincial Government elections.

Issued by Ana Motaung - DA Councillor Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality