The Gauteng Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) portfolio committee revealed that the Randfontein Local Municipality has failed to spend a whopping 70 per cent of its allocated infrastructure grant.
On Wednesday 4 February, Randfontein residents witnessed a march led by Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), supported by residents of Mohlakeng who wanted to display their frustration with the municipality. They claimed they have not received basic services despite it being promised. They wanted the issue to be resolved or at the very least be tabled in council.
According to Lebo More, DA Gauteng spokesperson on petitions, “It is baffling that funds allocated to assist the communities and improve the lives of residents are not spent.”
The DA calls on Jacob Mamabolo, Gauteng MEC for COGTA and Human Settlements to act sternly and appropriately with regard to under-performing municipalities, as they “have become centres of service delivery protests,” More said.
According to Lucky Chiya, spokesperson for the Randfontein Executive Mayor, “The MIG (infrastructure grant) spending for the 2013/2014 financial year was actually 76 per cent.”
He continued, “R6 197 349 was not spent as of 30 June last year, however, the National Treasury has granted approval to the municipality to spend the balance by 30 June this year. The balance of R6,1 million is already committed to projects.”
