DA seeks probe into incomplete R55 million gym in Kokstad

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06-06-2023
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The Citizen Online
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Former Kokstad mayor Bheki Mtolo's sports complex project 'a glaring example of failure and administrative mismanagement'

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Greater Kokstad Municipality (GKM) wants an in-depth probe into the stagnant Gym Payne Sports Complex project that has cost ratepayers R55 million.

The party said the project was the brainchild of ANC provincial secretary and former Kokstad mayor Bheki Mtolo.

He was mayor from 2016 to 2022. DA Greater Kokstad caucus leader Bradwyn Marnce said despite the exorbitant costs, the project remains incomplete and appears doomed to fail, having been illegally constructed on a protected wetland.

“We will be writing to the municipal manager, Sipho Zwane, and the mayor, councillor Lwanda Madikizela, asking for a forensic investigation into Mtolo’s project to date, which should be initiated and completed before the 2024 elections. This crucial step represents our determination to seek the truth and serve justice,” said Marnce.

The project

He said the sports complex project was designed and launched under Mtolo’s leadership and was a glaring example of failure and administrative mismanagement.

In February 2017 a contractor was appointed for full construction of the sports complex at a cost of R12,7 million.

The work was, however, suspended a month later due to non-compliance of the National Environmental Management Act (Nema) and outstanding Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) after ratepayers and residents objected to the proposed project.

"The project was forced onto the community with little regard for environmental laws and regulations, leading to its illegal establishment on protected wetlands."

“This reckless decision not only highlights a blatant disregard for legal and ecological responsibilities, but also the total absence of transparent and ethical governance.

“This negligence has resulted in devastating consequences; the unfinished project leaves our community devoid of the promised benefits, similar to everything the ANC touches. It is no wonder the former mayor was promoted to running the ANC at the provincial level,” he said.

ANC provincial secretary and former Kokstad mayor

Responding to the allegations, Mtolo said: “The DA wants me to rule from the grave and I won’t do it. Greater Kokstad Municipality has a very capable leadership to answer all questions related to any project that the municipality has engaged in.”

He challenged the DA to write to any agency tasked to investigate state affairs like the SIU, auditor-general, and public protector to investigate the project in question.

“If any of these institutions can find that I personally in my own capacity have committed wrongdoing, I will resign from any political post I am holding,” he said.

In Mtolo’s defence, current Greater Kokstad mayor Madikizela said the gym project was not a decision solely made by Mtolo, but by the council.

"There is no reason for an investigation. I agree that there were glitches in the beginning, however, all compliance issues were sorted. The sports complex was being built for the benefit of the people of Kokstad and it was at 95% completion and we expect that it will be handed over to the municipality by the end of July."

“We have received a progress report from the engineers and we are confident that we will be opening a sports complex that complies with the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture’s standards,” said Madikizela.

He disputed that the amount had reached R55 million.

Former Kokstad mayor and current ANC provincial secretary Bheki Mtolo. PHOTO: GALLO IMAGES