Bad planning ruined community project

THE National Council of Provinces (NCOP) last week heard that no feasibility study was undertaken before the provincial government injected tens of millions of Rands into the collapsed uLwamba community development project in the Ubuka area.

During a NCOP visit to the project site on Wednesday afternoon, it was also revealed that KZN government officials could not even divulge the exact figure invested.

It emerged that the government went ahead with projects even though it was clear that these would not survive because of inadequate water supply for livestock and irrigation.

In a presentation to the NCOP, Dr Fikile Ndlovu of the KZN legislature said the uLwamba Project Committee and community pointed this out at the launch of the multi-million- Rand initiative.

According to Ndlovu, the water supply problem was never resolved because of confusion and disputes about whose responsibility it was to set up the infrastructure.

‘However, since this ward now falls under the uMhlathuze Municipality’s jurisdiction, they are working towards solving the problem,’Ndlovu said.

She conceded she had been receiving all the complaints from the uLwamba Development Committee and is working towards resolving all the issues.

‘I think the police are still investigating a case of theft regarding a tractor that was stolen and our auditors are probing the claims of project fund mismanagement.

NCOP member Mntomuhle Khawula, representing the Inkatha Freedom Party, wanted to know how much was invested by the KZN government and why the committee had not been summoned to parliament to give account.

Dr Ndlovu could not provide details of exactly how much was invested and said the office of the Premier was only co-ordinating the process.

uLwamba Committee member Sibusiso Dludla informed the NCOP about the challenges the project participants faced.

He said all cows made available for a dairy farm died because of a lack of water.

‘Almost all beneficiaries of the various projects decided to leave after they were told there was no money to continue, while a three-year training programme only lasted a year without qualification certificates being awarded,’ said Dludla.

‘Agricultural projects also stopped after the tractor was stolen and we have difficulty to protect what little is left.’

Dludla added that the committee was also in the dark about how much was invested, since the government handed the funds to a certain individual to manage.

NCOP Chairman James Mthethwa decided to postpone the sitting as there was no one present representing the Biyela Trust.

‘It makes little sense to proceed with this meeting if we cannot obtain answers from the trust. It will be more fruitful if we postpone and return for a meeting when the trust representatives are available.’

KZN MEC for Economic Development and Environment Affairs, Sihle Zikalala, said the provincial government is still willing to continue with the project.

‘We will launch an investigation into the matter. Once finalised, we will take action against those found guilty of any wrongdoing.’

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