Dichoeung community demands action on decrepit roads

DICHOEUNG

The community of Dichoeung Village in Jane Furse, led by the Dichoeung Renewal Programme Community Forum, has expressed outrage and disappointment over the deplorable state of their internal roads, particularly the Bafedi to Kgaphamadi Main Road.

For years, residents have struggled with the poor condition of the road, which has become a major concern for the community.

Community leader, Johannes Choenyane, told the publication that despite their persistent efforts to bring attention to the issue, the community’s pleas have seemingly fallen on deaf ears.

A recent meeting held on Tuesday 27 May 2025, between the Dichoeung Renewal Programme Community Forum and officials from the Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality (MLM), including Mayor Cllr Merah Mahlase and Municipal Manager Ronald Moganedi, did little to alleviate their concerns.

The officials announced in the meeting that the road would receive attention in the 2026/2027 financial year, a timeline that the community finds unacceptable.

Choenyane said the community is demanding that the road upgrade project be included in the 2025/2026 financial year, instead of the 2026/2027 financial year as the municipality promises.

“The community wants the municipality to prioritize the upgrade and include it in the upcoming financial year’s budget. We cannot continue to suffer the consequences of poor infrastructure. We demand that the municipality takes immediate action to upgrade our roads,” he said.

Choenyane indicated that the community’s frustration is palpable, and their concerns are not unfounded.

“Poor roads can have far-reaching consequences, from hindering economic growth to affecting the health and well-being of residents. The Dichoeung community is determined to see change and is calling on the municipality to take their demands seriously,” he urged.

Choenyane indicated that as the community continues to wait for relief, they are urging the municipality to prioritize their needs and take immediate action to upgrade the Bafedi to Kgaphamadi Main Road.

“The Dichoeung Renewal Programme Community Forum is committed to advocating for the rights of the community and ensuring that their voices are heard. The ball is now in the court of the municipality, and it remains to be seen whether they will heed the community’s demands,” he said.

Thomas Mashabela, MLM Spokesperson, said as was highlighted during a meeting with Dichoeung community representatives about the state of the Bafedi to Kgaphamadi Road, the matter is receiving attention through municipal processes.

“The project will go through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) registration process in the financial year 2025/2026, through a dedicated panel that will review all aspects to determine eligibility for MIG funding in the coming years. Meanwhile, it has been projected for design development in the financial year 2026/2027,” he said.

Mashabela added that the Makhuduthamaga Municipality Council has advanced a vital phase of the IDP process by adopting the 2025/2026 Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Budget to continue implementing council priorities and strategic goals.

“We appreciate the ongoing engagement efforts by both traditional leadership and community members through their representatives with the leadership of the municipality, and we continue to encourage such positive and formal talks about development and challenges facing our communities,” he said.

Mashabela said the municipality will continue to interact with community representatives when required.

“Our doors remain open for further engagement on such critical issues that require updates and intervention,” he said.