RUSTENBURG HERALD - RUSTENBURG - The Democratic Alliance (DA) in North West is calling on National Treasury to urgently investigate the Rustenburg Local Municipality’s Tlhabane West Sports Facility project, which has become yet another symbol of mismanagement and potential corruption. Despite receiving nearly R20 million in Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) funding, this project remains incomplete - three years after construction began - while the municipality has already burned through more than R17.5 million.
Originally set to be completed in just eight months, the project has been plagued by delays, extensions, and ultimately, the termination of the original contractor in August 2024.
Instead of decisive action, the municipality entered into a cession agreement with another contractor in September 2024 to complete the remaining work by December 2024. Yet, to date, the facility remains unfinished, and its structural integrity is now in serious doubt due to prolonged inactivity.
The DA recently visited the site and there was little activity. In response, a formal request was submitted to the National Treasury, through their Arts and Culture Chairperson, Joe McGluwa MP, to launch a full-scale investigation into this debacle.
The DA demands that the National Treasury scrutinize the Bill of Quantities and verify whether the funds spent align with the actual work done. Infrastructure development is crucial for eco-nomic growth, yet under ANC-run municipalities, projects meant to benefit communities are routinely hijacked by incompetence and corruption. It is unacceptable that a project meant to uplift the people of Rustenburg has instead turned into yet another looting opportunity.
The DA will not rest until those responsible for this failure are held accountable and will continue monitoring this project and ensure that heads roll where malfeasance is uncovered.
