Tour verifies the existence of the bridges
Councillors who "caused the unnecessary stir " will face the consequences.
BUSHBUCKRIDGE – The Congress of the People (COPE) has vowed to stand by its story alleging there were fictitious bridges captured in paper only.
The opposition party circulated reports stating that a bridge called Acornhoek/ Hluvukani did not exist and called it a ghost bridge. This resulted in the party taking the matter to the Public Protector, Adv Thuli Madonsela for investigation.
Last week, MEC for co-operate governance and traditional affairs, Mr Simon Skhosana, Ehlanzeni mayor Cllr Letta Shongwe and Bushbuckridge Mayor, Cllr Renias Khumalo took journalists from various publications on a tour to verify the existence of the bridges. Seven bridges were visited during the tour.
Skhosana said that a total amount of R20 million was used to fix 19 bridges and that the bridge in question was located in Hluvukani, 31 kilometres from Acornhoek. He said that the naming of the bridges might have confused the councillors who made the allegations.
He added that the councillors who “caused the unnecessary stir ” were going to face the consequences.
“There is no reason for us to be here. It is not correct that a member of an institution can call us for something that they know exists. This is a waste of money and time,” said the visibly angry Skhosana.
He also said that the allegations were used to discredit the ruling party so that people would lose their confidence come election time.
“Many political parties want to take their share now that we are nearing elections. They want to come up with allegations to try and sustain political power and that is the reason why we are here,” he said.
“For your information, we explained factually and figuratively about the ghost bridges. I can boldly tell you again right here and now that as COPE, we stand by our accusations and have no intention to discredit the ANC'”said COPE’s head of communications, Mr Riot Hlatswayo, who further said the party had no intention of causing people to lose confidence in government.
Hlatshwayo said that the public protector was busy with investigations and Skhosana said he welcomed this action. “Without any doubt, the bridges are there and the Public Protector will find them,” he said.
