Use the money to fix our water problems – Seshego residents
Seshego residents are of the opinion that a R32m grant meant for upgrades to the Seshego traffic circle should rather be used to complete the wastewater treatment plant in the area.
POLOKWANE – The road project meant to upgrade the Seshego traffic circle into a signalised traffic intersection, was halted by residents last Wednesday, who demand to be subcontracted.
They alleged not having been informed about the project by sub-sectional ward councillors and the local municipality to timeously contest for contracts.
Construction at the circle started on September 18 and completion is envisaged for June 29, 2024. The group’s representative, Chrishani Mafalo told BONUS they required evidence from the municipality that those employed in the project and its contractor were rightful beneficiaries of the contracts involved.
“We only saw a public notice stating that the project would commence the next day,” he added.
Municipal spokesperson, Thipa Selala said the upgrades were necessary to reduce congestion caused by the Leeto la Polokwane buses, especially during peak hours, with Isaac Chosi, the manager in the mayor’s office, stating that the project was proposed during last year’s public consultation on the draft Integrated Development Planning (IPD) budget for this financial year and that no disputes were raised.
“Come 2024, we are going to show them flames.”
Seshego residents say the upgrades to the circle centre are unnecessary and that the money that would be used for the project should be redirected to finishing the water treatment project in the area instead. pic.twitter.com/bimNMsxiMr
— Polokwane Observer (@PolokwaneObserv) September 20, 2023
Ward 13 councillor, Matthews Ajao Leballo was called upon to conduct a process of submitting names of ward residents who would be working on the project through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).
“The matter was raised and the mayor was there when the plans were announced during the IDP consultations. I can also attest that there is no person not from our ward, who was employed in the project,” he confirmed.
Meanwhile, some residents who halted the project last week, through their representative Oageng Makhura, are of the opinion that the municipality should have used the R32m grant from Treasury to speed up the completion of the Seshego Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Selala said due to the nature of the funds being a grant requested on the basis of extending the traffic circle, the money cannot be repurposed for other projects.
The municipality’s budget towards the project has run dry in the past, causing delays.
In early September, a request was made to council for additional money for the water project.
