FIVE years since completion, the Obuka Social Development Office (DSD) in Ntambanana Municipality has never opened its gates to serve the public.
Constructed by the Department of Social Services to alleviate the burden of travelling to Ngwelezane or Empangeni by the Obuka, Upper Nseleni, Oviceni and Ngqungqu communities, the offices remain nothing more than a white elephant.
The Zululand Observer recently visited the Oviceni/Ngqungqu community and people complained about still having to travel long distances to access SASSA services at Empangeni.
‘I have four great-grandchildren who don’t have birth certificates, consequently they can’t access the government child grant,’ said gogo Buthelezi, who has to use all her pension money to feed her family of nine.
Ntambanana Municipal Manager Siyabonga Mazibuko expressed disappointment that the government’s mission of ‘taking services to the people’ has not been achieved in this instance.
‘I was told the cause of the delay is the lack of funding to hire employees,’ said Mazibuko.
DSD spokesperson Ncumisa Fandesi said, ‘The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is currently in the process of moving in furniture as we speak.
‘The reason why it took so long for the office to open is because there was no power in the building, which has since been installed.
‘Presently wards 1, 2, 3, 4 and part of ward 5 will be serviced, while the rest of the offices are being prepared,’ added Fandesi.
