Palm Springs Multi-purpose Centre costs triple

SEBOKENG. – A project that was expected be completed on June 15 last year, has not even commenced and where there was supposed to be a fully functional Palm Springs Multi-purpose Centre, stands bare ground. The Democratic Alliance (DA) recently revealed that funding is still required to complete the Palm Springs Multi-purpose Centre as the amount has tripled to R126 168 959,78; compared to the initial budget of R44 129 510,28.
Kingsol Chabalala, DA Gauteng Spokesperson on Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation (SACR) said that this was revealed by the Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Lebogang Maile, in a written reply to the DA’s questions, tabled in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. Chabalala said that according to Maile, phase one of the project has been completed which includes; construction of different layers of earth materials and installation of storm water drainage systems. It is said that phase one of this project cost R24 199 592, 22; which is more than half of the total cost of the project.
“The DA visited the site and discovered that no construction has been done, the site is just an empty piece of ground, yet millions have been spent on this project. Initially, the project was expected to be completed on 15 June 2018, however, there is no timeline as to when the construction of the project will commence and when it will be completed. The Emfuleni Local Municipality is facing a serious funding shortfall and the project will be funded through Municipal Infrastructure Grant only after COGTA has given its approval,” said Chabalala.
He added that unnecessary delays in the completion of this project have resulted in sky-rocketing costs.
“The amount of R82 039 449,50 accumulated, could have been used to build two multi-purpose centres for townships in Emfuleni such as Evaton and Bophelong.
“This is unacceptable and its high time that the ANC-led Gauteng Government and their municipalities start using taxpayer’s money wisely.”