By 
Excelsior is one of the economically depressed small towns in the Free State province, where its residents are forced to travel over 60 kilometres to access certain services and for shopping.
A number of businesses including banks have left the area, leaving the people desolate. The area also experienced service delivery issues including that of regular supply of water and sanitation. The town seems to be forgotten with hardly investment and government spending taking place.
Excelsior has a high rate of unemployment and poverty and a weak economic activity, with a very weak transport system.
In the previous week, the Free State Premier Ms MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae flanked by the MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport Mr Jabu Mbalula; turned her attention towards the neglected town to address its economic and water supply issues.
Following her site visit to the water treatment plant, Letsoha-Mathae who was disheartened by what she discovered, committed to bringing a team of expects to conduct a full assessment on the appalling conditions of the water treatment plant and address the water supply issues in the interim. She said based on the recommendations of the team, they will engage with national government for immediate intervention.
The Premier, following her engagement with the community to hear from them what their challenges are, called on government leaders to put their citizens first.
“Be accountable to your constituencies. Treat communities with respect and courtesy. Our budget expenditure must be catalytic and emancipate our people from poverty and unemployment. Opportunities are there for women in all industries.
Take advantage of the business development and funding opportunities presented by DESTEA and other skills and financial institutions. Refuse to be used as fronts for anyone, especially for posers who hail outside our province and foreign nationals” she said.
The Free State Premier also brought along with her mobile services to assist the community in bring services closer to them as they have to travel far to access them.
Excelsior is a community plagued by poverty and high levels of unemployment. It is against this background that the provincial government decided to bring its integrated mobile services to the area. The community is faced with the difficult situation of having to travel to neighbouring towns to access a number of services.
Therefore, the mobile services go a long way, not only in bridging the gap between government and communities, but play a key role in the reduction of poverty and tackling the high cost of living. The services are importantly aimed at cushioning the less fortunate against the high transport costs of travelling to access services. It is also instrumental in ensuring access to information and opportunities.
The following are some of the departments and stakeholders involved in the delivery of mobile services:
South Africa Social Security Agency (SASSA)
Department of Economic Development
Department of Home Affairs
Department of Health
Department of Community Safety Roads and Transport
Human Settlements
SARS
FSGLTA
NERSA
SAPS
ASSUPOL
