The Democratic Alliance has requested an immediate and thorough
investigation from the MEC for Co-operative Governance, Human
Settlements and Traditional Affairs into the sanitation mess at
Dikgatlong. Why am I tempted to think that this project is another
political battle for those who are looking for palm greasing from
contractors?

We are concerned about massively inflated costs. An amount of R9.9
million was made available from the department so that prefabricated
toilets can be built in Hebron Park. While local suppliers estimate
that the prefabricated toilets cost R5 000 each, the municipality
spent R18 000 per toilet.

The eradication of the sanitation backlog in the province must be a
priority for all who strive to improve the lives and dignity of the
poorest of the poor. According to the latest estimates, the Northern
Cape has a bucket backlog of more than 20 000. It is impossible for
our people to live dignified lives in these circumstances.

With the funds allocated from the department, the municipality could
have constructed 1 980 prefabricated toilets. Instead, it only
constructed 550. The municipality could have eradicated a third of its
sanitation backlog, but chose to turn this project into another little
Nkandla.

The Democratic Alliance is concerned that construction projects
throughout the province are resembling the problematic construction of
the psychiatric health hospital in Kimberley. Why are so many of the
crucial construction projects, from toilets to houses, characterized
by poor project management and escalating costs?

 

Issued by DA