Emergency Line Is One Pay-As-You-Go Cellphone and a Single Standby Worker

Statement by Imaan Sayed Suliman – DA PR Councillor, Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality:

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ramotshere Moiloa Municipality (RMLM), North West, which includes Zeerust and Madikwe, is fighting for urgent action from the ANC Mayor and government, as it is revealed that the entire municipality of 19 Wards and over 7,000 square kilometres in area, with hundreds of thousands of residents, has just one pay-as-you-go cellphone and one single standby worker as its entire emergency services contact line after hours.

The DA is deeply concerned by the recent communication breakdown within the RMLM during the water and electricity infrastructure collapses in Ward 15 and Ward 16.

During these crises, members of Council and affected communities were left without timely updates or clear channels of communication. The absence of a structured reporting system significantly undermined the municipality’s ability to respond effectively to emergencies.

This outdated and unreliable system hampers accountability and leaves residents vulnerable during critical service disruptions. It is unacceptable that in 2026, the municipality continues to operate without a robust, centralised reporting framework that ensures transparency, efficiency, and responsiveness.

The recent adjustment budget passed by RMLM failed to prioritise these essential services. Despite repeated calls for investment in proper communication infrastructure and emergency response systems, the omission of such provisions in the budget reflects a failure to address the realities faced by communities. Water and electricity are fundamental services, and the municipality has a duty to protect and maintain them.

The DA calls on the leadership of RMLM to urgently revisit the budget allocations and establish a modern, reliable reporting system that empowers both councillors and residents. Without decisive action, public trust will continue to decline and communities in Ward 15, Ward 16, and surrounding areas will face ongoing hardship.