Broken promises? Millions poured into derelict old age home
The DA has slammed the Gauteng government for spending over R55 million on an old age home that remains empty seven years after completion. The Department of Social Development says maintenance is essential, but critics call it a ‘white elephant’.
A completed but unoccupied old age home in Mohlakeng is drawing sharp criticism from the Democratic Alliance (DA), which accuses the Gauteng Department of Social Development of wasting more than R55m on a facility that has yet to benefit a single elderly resident.
• Also read: Mohlakeng Old Age Home empty, yet employees continue to draw salaries
According to DA Constituency Head Jade Miller, the Mohlakeng Old Age Home has stood empty since construction was completed in 2018, despite the department pouring in R12 million in maintenance and hosting two opening ceremonies.
Vulnerable elderly residents in dire need of a safe place to stay have been left out in the cold while this facility, with 75 unoccupied beds, remains unused,” said Miller in a statement.
She labelled the project a “white elephant”, calling it a textbook case of government mismanagement and wasteful spending.
She noted the total cost to the province has now reached almost R56m, including the initial construction cost of R43.5m and millions more in upkeep, despite the home not meeting basic occupational health and safety (OHS) standards.
Miller warned that, like other stalled state projects, the facility is at risk of vandalism, theft or illegal occupation due to its prolonged vacancy.
In response to media queries, Gauteng Department of Social Development spokesperson Teddy Gomba defended the ongoing maintenance.
“Regular maintenance is essential, even if a facility is not yet operational,” he said.
“Vacant buildings deteriorate quickly due to environmental exposure and lack of use. Proactive upkeep helps preserve structural integrity and avoids even higher refurbishment costs in the future.”
Gomba added that the size and complexity of the facility demand a substantial maintenance budget. He also confirmed that a non-profit organisation has been appointed to manage the home and that a Service Level Agreement (SLA) is currently being finalised.
The department is in the process of finalising the budget and preparing to sign the SLA for the operationalisation of the facility,” Gomba concluded.
