Krugersdorp Game Reserve the new Bob van Reenen?
The one-sided poor decisions about these facilities were not taken to council for consideration and proper direction.
Residents and regular visitors to the Krugersdorp Game Reserve have witnessed the decline of this once proud landmark of the town to its current state of disrepair where the gates are closed to visitors.
According to the Freedom Front Plus councillor for Krugersdorp, Amanda de Lange, the red lights have been flickering for a few years, warning about the rapid deterioration of the reserve and its amenities.
Also Read: Krugersdorp Game Reserve the latest gravy train?
The number of enquiries about the closed status of the premises is increasing as people are turned away for year-end functions and weddings.
De Lange said the process unfolding around the game reserve is a bitter reminder of the similar route the once proud Bob van Reenen Stadium followed to where it is today – a derelict, dysfunctional facility which is a sad reminder of the local government’s lack of political will or ability to save this huge asset and heritage of Krugersdorp.
“It was with horror that we learned that the run-down Krugersdorp Game Reserve has now been moved from the qualified Environmental and Parks Department to the auspices of the Economic Development Department.
The project leader placed in charge of the ‘turn-around’ project used to work in the Marketing Department and was suspended after he was found guilty of apparently fraudulent activities and irregularities. It is inconceivable that an employee with such a track-record be placed in charge of millions of rands. It would seem that the Game Reserve is the newest gravy train in Mogale City,” De Lange said.
She said the loss of income from the Game Reserve, which used to be fully booked throughout the year, has had a hugely detrimental effect on the cash flow income of Mogale City. The same can be said about the Bob van Reenen Stadium, which also provided a steady income for the town. “Apart from the immense financial losses from the incomes of just these two facilities, there is also the human loss factor to be considered. Residents and visitors from outside used to enjoy the benefit of both these amenities which were the only ones on the West Rand, and are now lost due to mismanagement and greed,” she said.
Also Read: Bob van Reenen: Mayor Seerane’s biggest regret
The one-sided poor decisions about these facilities were not taken to council for consideration and proper direction.
“The laws are very clear about wasteful and irregular expenditure by municipal management and Mogale City has been guilty of gross irregular financial conduct for years now,” said De Lange. It is seems the new dispensation is set to take matters to new heights which is already proof of massive financial losses to local residents.
De Lange stated that the Freedom Front Plus will never forsake the people of Krugersdorp and is more determined than ever to address and expose irregular activities in the municipality. Legal action will be taken against the perpetrators.
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