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The DA has lodged a complaint with the Public Protector against the Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality over the shoddy workmanship and cost of the Kgaphamadi bus route, bridge, and stormwater project in ward 21. A further R12 million is now needed to complete the project. 

It is very concerning that there seems to be no record of the budget for this project, I held a meeting with the Municipal Manager on the 28th of June 2022, and have written to the Mayor, Municipal Manager and Director of infrastructure for details on the project and its cost, but to no avail. The DA also raised a question about the project budget during the council sitting that took place on 28 February 2023 and it was not answered.

The project was meant to be completed in June 2022 and result in a new bridge and stormwater controls, but it remains incomplete many years after its start and it is riddled with issues:

• The bridge is not in a good condition and there are cracks on the bridge.
• Storm water controls are unable to accommodate the high volumes of water, resulting in rill erosion on the edges of the road that result in huge holes.
• The road is being damaged due to poor stormwater controls and presents a risk to drivers
• Some of the stormwater control system diverts water to community member’s yards.
• The contractor on site stated that there is unavoidable additional work that is added to his original scope of work and will likely inflate the cost of the project.
• The project needs additional funds estimated at R12 million to be completed.

The bridge is already in use by motorists despite concerns around the conditions of the road, bridge and stormwater control infrastructure. Residents of Sephaku, Kgaphamadi, Jerusalema, Hlalanikahle, Motse Phiri, Monsterlus and Mmotwaneng villages are afraid to use the flimsy structure and fear it might be unsafe.

These issues are believed to be a result of poor workmanship and misuse of resources by the contractors appointed to carry out the project’s construction.

The DA is committed to ensuring that residents receive value for money from projects meant to benefit their communities. We will continue to oppose possible corruption and wasteful expenditure.

Issued by Cllr Sipho Mmaboko - DA Councillor in Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality