The abandoned and incomplete Sebokeng Drivers’ Licensing Testing Centre (DLTC) in Gauteng requires an additional R91 427 522.67 to fix after it has been neglected and vandalised.

This project began in September 2015. The initial budget was R63 5565 425.69, and the total expenditure increased to R78 654 30.38.

This information was revealed by the Gauteng MEC for Human Settlement and Infrastructure Development, Lebogang Maile, in a written reply to the DA’s questions tabled in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.

According to Maile, the project was handed over to the department in June 2021. The MEC has failed to provide the completion date of the project.

DA member of the Provincial Legislature Kingsol Chabalala says, unfortunately, the poor project management by the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport and the Department of Infrastructure Development over the past eight years has resulted in this project running over budget.

“It is a waste of taxpayers’ money as the incomplete project was abandoned and left to be vandalised, while residents must commute or walk long distances to access DLTC services.

“The Sebokeng DLTC is one of many failed Gauteng government projects. This indicates that this government has no political will to improve the lives of its residents by delivering quality services.”

The DA demands that Maile fast-track the completion of the Sebokeng DLTC to ensure that Emfuleni residents have access to this facility.

“We will also continue to exert pressure on the MEC to provide us with the timelines to ensure this project is completed within the stipulated additional budget.”