The embattled Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) has once again come under scrutiny after spending R2m on refuse bags, which, according to DA mayoral candidate Kingsol Chabalala, MPL, are yet to be seen or utilised.

The information came to light after questions were raised in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) about the spending of the money on refuse bags, followed by scepticism about the purpose it was intended to serve. Chabalala says the incident occurred amid pressing service delivery challenges.

The expenditure is from 2020 to 2026. The money was used to pay various service providers over the years.

Chabalala says that despite this staggering amount spent on an enormous number of plastic refuse bags, waste collection fails, and rubbish piles up across Emfuleni.

“This is a frivolous use of resources, but more problematically, we cannot point to these bags actually being used. This reflects a clear disconnect between expenditure and the real needs of residents.”

Chabalala says the incident casts doubt on what the true motive was behind the procurement, giving the impression that it was a possible lucrative contract with no consideration for the actual needs of Emfuleni residents.

The DA says it will demand answers in the GPL to hold those who have recklessly spent millions of rands of public money accountable, adding that it will continue to put pressure on the GPL and demand answers, promoting good and transparent governance.