By: Jane Sithole MPL, DA Mpumalanga Premier Candidate
Today, the Democratic Alliance (DA) conducted an oversight inspection at was meant to be the High Altitude Training Centre (HATC) in Emakazeni Local Municipality and found that after 9 years and over R114 million, the site is still nothing more than vacant land.
Today, the Democratic Alliance (DA) conducted an oversight inspection at was meant to be the High Altitude Training Centre (HATC) in Emakazeni Local Municipality and found that after 9 years and over R114 million, the site is still nothing more than vacant land.
The HATC is one of many capital projects initiated by former premier, David Mabuza’s administration that have cost the province billions but failed to materialise.
According to reports, the neighbouring community of Siyathuthuka was not consulted at any stage over the 9 year period despite continuous promises that the project would uplift the community by creating jobs. This proves that Mabuza knew from the start that this project was never meant to benefit the people.
Realising the steep costs associated with such a project, the Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation has now resorted to waiting for a Good Samaritan to come and save them by investing R5.3 billion into this non-viable project.
The DA believes that the R114 million spent on consultants and multiple impact assessment studies should have been channelled towards uplifting the poor communities in Emakhazeni.
In its annual report, the Department of Culture, Sports and Recreation stated that four boreholes had been drilled but we couldn’t find any evidence of this when inspecting the site. The DA will write to the MEC Thandi Shongwe asking for the exact location of these boreholes and for a breakdown of the cost.
The people of Mpumalanga continue to feel the burden of Mabuza’s legacy of corruption as money meant for the people continues to direct to non-viable projects instead of service delivery.
Only a DA-led government will bring real change to Emakhazeni and to the rest of Mpumalanga by putting an end to corruption and delivering quality basic services as we continue to build One South Africa For All.
Ends,
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