BOIPATONG.- The funds channelled to the building and completion of the Boipatong Old Home were a waste.

This is according to ActionSA, whose leadership visited the community to give feedback about a case of fraud that was opened by the party after R28m was allegedly spent on the home.

Only 52% of the work is said to have been done.

The chairperson of Gauteng ActionSA, Funzi Ngobeni, together with the Sedibeng District Municipality (SDM) Mayoral Candidate, Reverend Caleb Dhlamini, who is also the leader of the party in Sedibeng, visited the Boipatong Old Age Home on September 18.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, Dhlamini said that only 52% of the work is done; thus, the home cannot be utilised by elders.

Dhlamini added that the funds allocated for this project were channeled in the wrong direction by the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM), as they were responsible for appointing contractors and making payments.

Dhlamini further said they want to know what is happening to a criminal case of fraud that was opened at Boipatong SAPS regarding the matter.

“Due to the seriousness of the case, it was referred to the Hawks. We also took the matter to the Public Protector, and the investigations are at a very advanced stage. ActionSA is in solidarity with the elders, community and beneficiaries, where our elders today have nowhere to be accommodated and are vulnerable.”

ELM’s spokesperson Makhosonke Sangweni said, “I am not sure what’s happening there, but if it’s concerning the welfare of it, provincial government will have to respond, not the local municipality.”

• Sedibeng Ster has sent an enquiry to the Social Development Department and is awaiting response.