The executive mayor of Vhembe District Municipality, Freda Nkondo, visited the rural village of Folovhodwe in Musina on Wednesday, 19 November, to hear residents' concerns about local service delivery.
Residents gathered at the Folovhodwe Stone Breakers sports grounds, hoping their long-standing issues would be addressed. Among the first to speak was Mr Aifheli Makona, who raised concerns about the lack of water. "There is only one borehole, which cannot meet the needs of the community. We request an additional borehole," he said.
Road conditions and network connectivity were also raised as pressing issues. Joseph Manyuha highlighted that road D3675 had remained incomplete since 2023. He further called for a reliable electricity backup system at the Folovhodwe Clinic, noting that power failures left the facility vulnerable and affected security. Manyuha also criticised the R50 water fee elderly residents are forced to pay private contractors, describing it as unfair and unsustainable.
Another resident, Edson Nekhumbe, reported that two JoJo tanks had no water, leaving the community without a reliable supply. He also emphasised high youth unemployment and limited opportunities for young people in the area.
In response, Vhembe District Health representative Mufamadi assured residents that a generator was available for the clinic and would be kept operational during power outages.
Mayor Nkondo thanked the residents for their input and reaffirmed her commitment to acting on their concerns. "With the District Development Model, all spheres of government will work together to deliver services. The upgrade of the Mutale Dam brings renewed hope that Musina will no longer face water shortages," she said.
Eskom representatives also advised residents to complete indigent forms to qualify for free basic electricity.