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Stadium in ruins despite millions lost

Money gone, and no proper stadium to show for it.

DENEYSVILLE – A facility that cost a whopping R5m in Refengkgotso, Deneysville still stands empty.

The DA has since raised serious concerns about the misuse of public funds and the apparent neglect of community infrastructure in Refengkgotso.

The Deneysville Sports Ground, which was supposed to be a beacon of community development, has become a glaring example of municipal mismanagement.

Despite substantial funding for its upgrade, the project has failed to deliver the promised improvements, leaving the sports ground in disrepair and disuse.

The state of the stadium following renovations.

In a statement issued by parliamentarian and DA Member of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) and Constituency Head in Metsimaholo Dr Igor Scheurkogel revealed that the sports ground does not reflect the R7m reportedly spent on its upgrade through the 2014/2015 Municipal Infrastructure Grant.

The total amount allocated for the project was R14 063 990 but due to poor implementation by Metsimaholo Local Municipality, the funds have not been used as planned.

“Despite the significant investment, the sports ground features only two multi-purpose courts and a few revamped containers to serve as bathrooms and shower facilities.

“Shockingly, these facilities are unconnected to the water infrastructure and have been vandalised, leaving them in disrepair. The sports ground remains largely unused, turning what should have been a community asset into a neglected and decaying site,” read the statement.

Showers built at the stadium.

According to Scheurkogel, it is particularly alarming that the municipality is proposing to spend an additional R10m on the sports ground.

“This proposal raises serious questions about the municipality’s ability to exercise proper oversight and ensure that funds allocated for community upliftment are used effectively,” he said.

Scheurkogel added that the municipality has demonstrated significant mismanagement. “Despite receiving substantial funding, the municipality failed to deliver on its promises to upgrade the sports ground, leading to incomplete and poorly executed projects,” he said.

The DA said it would write to the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and the Minister of Finance, calling for a thorough investigation into the upgrade of the Deneysville Sports Ground.

“We demand accountability for the funds spent and insist that steps be taken to ensure that the residents of Refengkgotso receive the infrastructure and services they were promised. The DA remains committed to ensuring that government funds are used transparently and effectively to benefit all communities, particularly those in rural and disadvantaged areas.”

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Sifiso Jimta

Sifiso Jimta is an experienced journalist of Ster North and Sedibeng Ster. He enjoys writing crime and feature articles. Email: sifiso@mooivaal.co.za

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