Report back – Thokozani Gumede

On October 5, the Democratic Alliance recorded its objection to an extended public works programme item after it became clear that three DA-controlled wards had been excluded from the programme without reason.

EPWP is a job-creation initiative funded by the national department of public works through an incentive grant of R1,5 million that was allocated for the 2018/2019 financial year.

The programme is meant to benefit people living within all 29 wards of KwaDukuza, irrespective of their political allegiance.

The department had also appointed Naidu Consulting to work with various municipalities in ensuring compliance and reporting of the EPWP programmes.

By excluding wards six, 21 and 22, it would appear KDM has failed to align itself and comply with EPWP policy.

Meanwhile, the controversial Rocky Park Housing Project is the subject of a full-scale forensic investigation being conducted by the provincial department of human settlement.

It is not clear when the findings of will be made available.

A detailed report on Rocky Park tabled before a full council meeting recently points to an inflation of prices for goods and services to the tune of R9 million.

In Sakhamkhanya, the building of low cost homes is moving at a snail’s pace and is often beset by unexpected stoppages due to non-payment of the contractor Zikhulise by the department. As a result, the contractor has had to retrench most of its workforce.

At least 10 units were left incomplete early this year when it was discovered that the concrete block material was substandard.

The KDM director of human settlement, Themba Dube, who was in a fiery mood, told the IAT meeting on Friday that the matter was between the supplier and the contractor.

In some cases, it is alleged that a number of houses have been allocated to people who did not apply for the housing subsidy in the first place. This is a serious cause for concern in that people who are is dire need of houses and continue to live in abject poverty are being deprived of a right to benefit from the project.

To this end, civil engineering and human settlement capital expenditure is another area of concern.

From the total budget of R116, 388, 851, the department has only spent R16, 758, 893 thus far which makes up 14 percent of the capital budget.

I expect the department in question to accelerate the implementation process if it is to remain an epitome of good governance.

Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.

Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram