TZANEEN – Questions are resurfacing over the status of the controversial Modjadjiskloof entrance beautification project launched by the Greater Letaba Municipality (GLM) in 2022, with residents now seeking clarity on whether the development was fully completed and officially finalised.

R2.7m entrance upgrade under scrutiny

The project, valued at R2.7m, included welcome signage, landscaping and decorative entrance structures featuring the late Rain Queen Makobo Modjadji, at the entrances to the town from Mooketsi and Tzaneen.

Tourism and aesthetics originally targeted

At the time, the municipality said the project was intended to improve the appearance of the town and attract tourism to the area.

Concerns over unfinished and damaged structures

However, the development quickly became the subject of public debate, with critics questioning the amount spent on beautification while residents continued facing service delivery challenges such as water shortages, damaged roads and poor infrastructure maintenance.

The project also attracted attention after one of the structures was vandalised shortly after installation, with graffiti appearing on the signage.

Despite the project being introduced four years ago, some residents say there is still uncertainty about whether all planned work was completed. Community members claim certain aspects of the landscaping and surrounding areas appear unfinished or poorly maintained.

Calls for clarity on landscaping and maintenance

Residents are now asking whether the municipality officially concluded the project or if additional phases are still planned. They said that there has not really been clear communication on whether the project was completed exactly as planned.

Others questioned whether maintenance and landscaping work promised during the project’s launch was ever fully implemented.

At the time of construction, the municipality indicated that the project would include additional landscaping elements such as Modjadji cycad trees as part of the beautification process. Residents now want clarity on whether those plans were carried out and whether ongoing maintenance is being done at the entrance structures.

Debate over spending priorities resurfaces

Some community members also believe the municipality should provide updates on large public projects after completion to improve transparency and accountability.

The project previously drew criticism from opposition political parties and some residents who argued that the money could have been directed toward more urgent service delivery concerns.

Others, however, supported the idea of improving the town’s appearance and promoting tourism potential.

Residents say the issue remains relevant because the structures continue to stand as one of the municipality’s most visible public projects in Modjadjiskloof.

Community members now hope the municipality will clarify the project’s current status and whether further upgrades or maintenance are planned for the entrance areas.

Awaiting official response from GLM

The renewed questions come amid wider concerns about infrastructure maintenance and service delivery in the town.

Herald contacted GLM spokesperson Lovers Maenetja regarding the current status of the entrance beautification project and whether any additional work or maintenance is planned.

We are still awaiting response.