The Democratic Alliance in Phokwane is questioning the sudden resumption of roadworks in Bonita Park, Hartswater, following the rescheduling of an event with Deputy President Paul Mashatile next weekend.
The timing raises questions about why road works started again, just ahead of ANC heavyweights expected to descend on the town.
The DA raised similar concerns when work on the road, that leads up to the primary school, began ahead of the Deputy President’s initial planned visit in July, only to stop when the visit was postponed.
Work has also started at the local stadium, next to the school, where the event is due to be hosted. Despite R1 million being allocated for the stadium, the DA understands that no contract was put out to tender, raising further questions about how the work was authorised and procured.
For residents who experience Phokwane’s service delivery failures every day, the timing of these projects is deeply concerning. Residents should not have to wait for political VIPs to roll into town before the municipality acts.
The DA has yet to receive answers to questions submitted to the municipality about the road project, including whether it appears in the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) or other municipal plans, which budget is funding it, whether it was properly approved, what procurement process was followed, who was appointed to carry out the work and what the total cost will be.
The DA will submit similar questions regarding the stadium project, and continue to push for answers. We also want the municipality to explain why these projects appear to follow the schedule of political events rather than a clear and transparent maintenance programme, and whether Phokwane has again deviated to emergency procurement, that weakens transparency and accountability of municipal expenditure.
Phokwane residents deserve a municipality that works for them every day, and serves the community, not political interests.
The DA will continue to press for answers. We also encourage residents to make their voices heard at the polls on 4 November by choosing a local government that works.