DITSOBOTLA MUNICIPALITY - The future of the Ditsobotla Municipality in the North West province remains in limbo.
Residents say the area has become a ghost town and cash-cow for politicians looking to make a quick buck.
READ: Service delivery | Urgent plan to save Ditsobotla Municipality
The province's government placed the municipality under administration, however the municipality disputes this saying proper procedures weren't followed.
Business and residents are hoping things get better and that service delivery will be prioritised.
The Swanepoels are some of them. They run a guesthouse in the area but due to poor service delivery rely on alternative plans to get water and electricity to their patrons.
Ian Swanepoel said, "we've got people canceling their accommodation with us because they're scared of the circumstances in Lichtenburg. And service delivery strikes caused due to service delivery... we had to install water and pipes to ensure we can supply to our clients....which is more expensive those things need to be maintained."
The DA in the area says service delivery has deteriorated with the situation worsened by political infighting in the Ditsobotla municipality.
The DA's Yusuf Laher said, "the province should take full accountability of what's been happening, in this municipality because of factional battles. In a nutshell we've got an ANC problem in this municipality because of factional issues. And if 19C is evoked its definitely the wrong decision."
Municipal workers who say they haven't been paid for months are threatening to disrupt services.
The North West government believes placing the municipality under administration is a step in the right direction.
Residents are hoping for better days.
Swanepoel said, "so it’s really frustrating for us, having to keep explaining to people that we don't have control over this situation. And we constantly have to have a back-up plan. Make sure you have enough water to last you for a week....we constantly have to be aware"
Meanwhile, the municipality has lodged an interdict against the move to place it under administration. It says due processes were not followed.