Ekurhuleni invests R39m to complete critical SAAME infrastructure project
Ekurhuleni has allocated an additional R39 million to finalize the long-stalled SAAME building, a key municipal infrastructure project. This investment aims to restore service efficiency and provide a vital hub for residents by September.
After more than seven years of delays and increasing costs, Ekurhuleni’s SAAME building, intended as a flagship municipal centre, will finally be completed.
During a site visit on June 6, Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza confirmed the city had allocated an additional R39m to complete the long-delayed project, targeting full functionality by September.
During the media briefing, Nomadlozi Nkosi, the MMC for Developmental Planning and Real Estate, joined Xhakaza and detailed the city’s strategy to focus on completing structural work, installing IT systems and launching municipal customer-care services.
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“This additional funding is essential to ensure the SAAME building finally becomes fully operational for the benefit of all our residents,” said Xhakaza.
Construction began over seven years ago, but administrative delays and financial mismanagement hindered the project.
A recent forensic audit uncovered “shocking” irregularities of over R272m, including irregular expenditure, unauthorised spending and lost inventory, Xhakaza revealed. These problems stalled the project for years, depleting public trust and municipal resources.
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Emphasising the SAAME investment’s role in rejuvenating infrastructure, restoring service efficiency and eliminating financial waste, the mayor pledged strict oversight to ensure transparent and effective spending of the R39m.
When finished, the building will be a vital hub for municipal services and customer care, easing resident burdens and decentralising city governance.
