Residents of Peka have called for urgent government intervention to improve infrastructure in the area, saying poor roads, limited access to clean water and inadequate health services continue to affect daily life and hinder development.
The residents said the area faces persistent challenges, including poor road networks, lack of nearby clinics and insufficient water supply systems, making it difficult for them to access essential services.
They said the lack of proper infrastructure has negatively affected livelihoods, with patients struggling to reach health facilities, farmers failing to transport produce to markets efficiently and families travelling long distances to access safe drinking water.
They appealed to authorities to prioritise the construction of roads, clinics and water systems, saying such developments would improve living conditions and stimulate local economic growth.
Speaking last Friday, community councillor Ntsane Ts’iamo of Ha Foka in Peka said residents are forced to rely on health services in Mapoteng because there are no nearby clinics in the area.
“We do not have health centres in our area; we receive health services from Mapoteng, and it takes a long time to reach there,” he said.
Ts’iamo explained that it takes between one and two hours to reach the nearest tarred road leading to Mapoteng, describing the journey as exhausting and dangerous, particularly during emergencies.
“This is difficult because it consumes a lot of time, and patients may even die on the way due to delays in accessing medical care,” he noted.
The residents also raised concerns over access to clean water, saying most wells are located far from their homes and are often poorly maintained. Many families rely on donkeys to transport water, a process they described as physically demanding and time-consuming, especially for women and children, they told theReporter in separate interviews during the hand over of a M16 million electrification project by Prime Minister Sam Matekane.
The villagers also warned that the poor condition of some wells increases the risk of waterborne diseases and sometimes forces residents to use unsafe water sources.
One resident, Mampoi Ramotjamane, said the burden of collecting water has become overwhelming.
“You see, I am already a grandmother. I send other people’s children to fetch water for me, and they now want to be paid. This generation…” she said.
On her part, Principal Chieftainess of Peka, Ponts’o Mathealira, said infrastructure development would also help attract investment into the area.
She pointed out that improved roads, water systems and basic services could encourage businesses to establish operations in Peka, helping to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
Speaking on behalf of the youth, Rets’elisitsoe Sepeka from Ha Motako said poor infrastructure continues to disadvantage young people.
He indicated that bad roads make it difficult for students to attend school and for young people to access training centres and employment opportunities, often leading to absenteeism and school dropouts.
Sepeka added that the absence of nearby clinics and reliable water sources affects the health and daily routines of young people, forcing many to spend time fetching water or travelling long distances for medical care instead of focusing on education and personal development.
“This situation also reduces employment opportunities and affects their overall well-being. Without proper infrastructure such as roads, electricity and basic services, businesses struggle to grow, leaving fewer job prospects for young people.”
He added that the situation has left many youths frustrated, as they feel neglected compared to communities in more developed areas.
In response, Matekane assured residents that government had taken note of the concerns raised by the Peka community.
He said efforts would be made to address infrastructure challenges and improve service delivery in the area by the end of 2028.
