The public reaction to the official handover of a multi-million short stretch of road in Thabong has caused major questions. People are concerned about the lack of transparency. They also question the absurdity of the cost.
“While we welcome the recent upgrades and improvements to infrastructure in ward 12, Thabong, we remain deeply concerned about the lack of transparency surrounding the R29 million road project,” says Abigail Schoeman, DA councillor .
The project faced many questions. Even so, the executive mayor, Thanduxolo Khalipha, officially handed it over on 4 September. He refers to the area as an “underserved ward.”
“Members of the public have expressed shock that a 3km road could cost as much as R29 million,” says Schoeman.
This figure is clearly much higher per square metre than one would reasonably expect. She says any observer can see this. She adds that according to official reports, the project created 44 local jobs. It included the use of four small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) to boost community participation.
“While these outcomes are positive, questions remain about how this project was awarded and managed. To ensure accountability, we have submitted formal questions in terms of Rule 52 of the Standard Rules and Orders to the acting municipal manager,” she says.
The questions include proof of where and when the tender was advertised. They also require the details of how many tenders were received and from which companies. Additionally, the Bills of Quantities (BOQs) of all submissions are needed, along with the BOQ of the successful bid. Schoeman says they also want the details of which SMMEs benefited from the project.
“Public funds, especially those from the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG), must be used responsibly, and residents deserve complete clarity on whether value for money was achieved.”
The project was funded through the MIG and the construction took place between May 2024 and August 2025.
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