Members of business forums and the Project Steering Committee (PSC) have disputed claims about a development in Toekomsrus Extension 4, the Western Mega Project, being marred by corruption, greed and nepotism.
Close to 30 representatives who were at the Herald‘s office on Wednesday 4 November, refuted those claims which were made by certain community members to the Herald, saying that these community members are simply politicising matters and that the project is actually meant to benefit the community.
Kenny Khumalo, a member of the PSC said these claims were not a general consensus among the community, and aimed to cause division.
He added that those members were bullying the existing PSC structure that had been formed in terms of legislation, and was even recognised by the Gauteng Provincial Government.
What they did was to appoint themselves – claiming to fight for the interests of the community and against so-called corruption,” Khumalo added.
He further disputed claims of corruption on the site, saying that the project is currently under way and not hampered by any of the allegations.
Khumalo explained that at the start of a project, the Rand West City Local Municipality (RWCLM) representatives are sent out to engage the community on its nature and how they will benefit.
PSC members who will help to ensure that the project runs consistently are also appointed.
“These members are appointed in public,” Khumalo added.
Muriel George, Secretary of the Toekomsrus Business Forum said whenever a business comes to the community, the whole community will get their share of the pie.
Since 2017, we’ve structured ourselves and managed to create jobs – not only for workers, but also for business owners,” George said, adding that in the process, local businesses have an opportunity to move up the ladder as main contractors. She said this in turn will bring economic growth in the area.
Abram Khithika, Chief Executive Officer of the Western Mega Project, who also confirmed the ongoing project, said as land developers, they only recognise PSC members through which they interact with the community.
“We are a developer and we hire engineers, town planners and quantity surveyors. We hire contractors and then those contractors hire sub-contractors, depending on the phase of work,” Khithika added.
He said that this particular project is a multi-year project.
It’s not a typical project that takes six or eight months like constructing a road; it is a public-private partnership and takes place as and when the budget and land are available,” Khithika said.
He added that Mega Project builds houses, clinics and even schools.
Phillip Montshiwa, spokesperson of the Rand West City Local Municipality (RWCLM), said their role is to coordinate the implementation of all mega projects and ensure that they are implemented accordingly, adding that they also appoint Community Liaison Officers and Safety Officers.
“Mega Projects Developers are appointed by the Gauteng Provincial Government to implement the projects in municipalities. The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements’ functional core competency is to provide housing as per section 156 of the Constitution (Schedule 4 and 5),” Montshiwa said.
