Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality has rejected allegations of financial mismanagement relating to the R11m Monsterlus/Hlogotlou Stadium upgrade project.

The denial follows DA complaints that little to no work has been done at the facility despite the funds allocated for its refurbishment.

DA inspection finds facility in disrepair

“During our oversight inspection of the stadium, we found no evidence of the upgrades or refurbishment,” said DA councillor Sipho Mmaboko. “The pitch is non-functional, there are collapsed walls and fences, vandalised infrastructure and the toilets and other facilities have fallen into a state of disrepair.”

Municipality defends stadium upgrade

Municipal spokesperson Simon Makua said the municipality had noted the allegations with concern but categorically rejected claims that the project funds had been mishandled.

Makua confirmed that R11m was budgeted for the project during the 2015/16 financial year.

The approved scope of work included the construction of a soccer field, installation of an irrigation system and floodlights, renovation of the existing building, construction of ablution facilities, drilling of a borehole and construction of combi courts.

“The municipality confirms that the project was implemented and completed in accordance with the approved and agreed scope of work. It is therefore incorrect and misleading to claim that no work was undertaken or that the funds allocated to the project were simply wasted,” Makua said.

Makua challenged the DA to submit any evidence contradicting the municipality’s official project records for verification.

“The current condition of the facility should not be used to conclude that a historical capital project was not implemented or that public funds were mismanaged,” he said.