Taxpayer money for projects down the drain
‘All the equipment were bought with taxpayer money, so we cannot just abandon them to allow the thieves to help themselves'
THE uLwamba community development project was regarded as a beacon of hope for the people of oBuka and surrounding areas.
But according to uLwamba Development Committee member, Mondli Phungula, millions of taxpayers’ money invested in this project have gone down the drain as authorities have neglected the agricultural initiative.
Phungula said since 2015 all community projects associated with uLwamba have collapsed.
‘Agricultural and other equipment have been stolen, cows bought for a dairy farm project have all died and no one is taking responsibility.’
He claims dozens of computers are collecting dust and the tractor used in agricultural projects was stolen in February this year.
“We have called on Premier Willies Mchunu to give guidance on the way forward. Government officials have been coming and going, but failed to solve the problem. Money for the projects was given to the wrong people who do not want to see the community benefitting. Our leaders have neglected us and we have nowhere to go,’ Phungula said.
Photo by Muzi Zincume
He said they have decided to safeguard the remaining resources.
‘All the equipment were bought with taxpayer money, so we cannot just abandoned them to allow the thieves to help themselves. We hold on to faith that one day our leaders will come and address this problem.’
He said apart from the failed dairy farm and agriculture projects, the poultry project is about to collapse.
‘The computer facility aimed at equipping the youth failed in 2012 and we are now left with the burden to look after these computers before they all get stolen as the fence is falling,’ said Phungula .
The multi-purpose centre was also earmarked to house Home Affairs and South African Social Security (SASSA) offices, but none of these are operational, except the clinic which operates from Monday to Friday. People are forced to travel long distances to Empangeni for government services.’
The KZN Premier’s spokesman, Ndabezinhle Sibiya, said Premier Mchunu was aware of the matter.
‘The Premier is waiting for an official report from the officials he assigned to assess the situation there. Once he receives the report he will then meet with the relevant people to address their concerns,’ said Sibiya.
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