The Inxuba Yethemba Municipality has spent R14.8 million on upgrading two streets in Cradock, but due to “shoddy workmanship”, problems such as potholes have continued to impact the residents’ daily lives.
This is according to Kobus Botha, EC Midlands Constituency Leader, who said the municipality’s street upgrade project was put in place and spread over three financial years which included phases 1, 2 and 3 and was financed with “own-generated” funds as opposed to using Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) funding.
The breakdown of the expenditure resulted in the completion of phase one and two, which included 380m of Frere Street at a cost of R8.3 million and 550m of Adderley Street at a cost of R6.3 million.
Phase three will start soon and include Cawood, Sprigg, Durban, Victoria, and Albert streets at R20 million.
Botha said he was joined by DA Councillor Rika Featherstonehaugh, in conducting oversight inspections in Frere Street and Adderley Street and they found tarred over road-mounted fire hydrants, blocked storm water drains due to re-gravelling and sealing, unevenly laid paving at intersections and faded road markings due to using the wrong paint.
“It is inconceivable that R14.8 million has been spent on two streets that are still falling apart – where is the value for money? The municipal manager must give detailed feedback on the process of appointing the construction company and what led to the shoddy workmanship,” said Botha.
He said serious questions need to be asked about the expenditure.
Botha said he will therefore be writing to the municipal manager of the Inxuba Yethemba Municipality to request immediate feedback on the expenditure of millions of taxpayers’ rands on upgrading streets that are still crumbling.
He further said if the municipal manager’s reply is not substantive, he will submit parliamentary questions to the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Zolile Williams, to demand answers.
“This shocking disrespect for the residents and disregard for the public purse is an indictment on the municipality, especially those in leadership positions,” said Botha.
