Lentswe, Klerksdorp - The DA is accusing the Dr KK District Municipality of wasting money after the municipality hosted a social investment event earlier this month. Lerina Strydom, DA councillor in the municipality, broke down the costs for Lentswe she describes as “insane’’. “While residents are suffering poor service delivery they have money to squander on lavish and extravagant events.’’
The event cost the municipality R235 090, which includes R29 500 for DJs and artists, R45 000 for VIP toilets, R95 000 for the luxurious VIP setup, R28 100 for an aerial drone and a 360 Photo Booth, R25 490 for marketing, and R12 000 for labour.
For Strydom, this is lavish spending. “It is atrocious, while residents still suffer with sewer running into streams and rivers, the road infrastructure remains deteriorated, and streetlights are not working, they waste money on this.’’
The ANC cited several justifications for the expenditures, including the event’s potential to enhance community engagement by fostering civic pride, volunteerism, and social cohesion, among others.
The DA reject these justifications, asserting that they contradict their intended objectives.
“Particularly the lavish VIP section with extravagant ottoman rentals and elaborate décor that costs R95 000.
“It undermine the social cohesion the municipality seeks to foster. Moreover, we question the event’s contribution to local sports and community building, especially given that events at Rio Casino have become a frequent occurrence, with costs escalating rapidly.”
