UDM deputy president and Buffalo City mayoral candidate Nqabayomzi Kwankwa has expressed concern over the state of several municipal projects in Buffalo City Metro. During a visit to the area, Kwankwa assessed the progress of various infrastructure and service delivery projects ahead of the local government elections. The visit focused on projects such as Water World, the Leighandre “Baby Lee” Jegels Recreational Park, and the Ebuhlanti project. Kwankwa's visit comes amid renewed public scrutiny over the progress and expenditure of these projects.
Kwankwa visited Water World, an unfinished fun park, and criticized the project, stating that millions of rand had been spent on it, yet it remained incomplete years after its inception. He described some of these projects, including Water World and a swimming pool in Mdantsane, as "white elephants." Kwankwa emphasized the need for accountability, promising to hold contractors and officials involved in these multimillion-rand projects accountable if the UDM takes over and he becomes mayor.
The UDM supports the Special Investigating Unit's (SIU) investigation into these projects, which was authorized by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Kwankwa stated that the people of Buffalo City Metro deserve answers regarding the projects' progress and expenditure. He also emphasized the need for greater transparency around municipal projects, including the contracts and engineering processes that were followed. The UDM aims to investigate alleged misuse of funds and ensure accountability.
Buffalo City Metro spokesperson Luzuko Buku responded to Kwankwa's criticism, stating that the municipality remains committed to exploring the completion and future development of Water World as a tourism and recreational asset. However, Buku emphasized that the project must proceed within the applicable governance, procurement, and financial-management processes. The municipality will cooperate fully with the SIU investigation.
The SIU investigation into Water World and other projects, including the stalled Mdantsane NU2 swimming pool complex, aims to determine the extent of any irregularities and potential losses. The investigation will also assess the condition of existing infrastructure, contractual obligations, and the preferred model for completing and operating the facilities. The municipality cannot currently provide a definitive figure for additional public funding required to complete the projects.
The "Baby Lee" Jegels park, intended to honor the legacy of the late boxing champion, has also faced challenges affecting its development and use. The facility was meant to provide a recreational and community space for residents. Several costly Buffalo City Metro projects have been stalled, and the SIU investigation will scrutinize these projects, including Water World and the Mdantsane NU2 swimming pool complex.
The UDM's call for accountability and transparency in municipal projects reflects growing public concern over the management of public funds. The party's mayoral candidate, Kwankwa, has promised to prioritize accountability and transparency if elected. The Buffalo City Metro municipality has committed to cooperating with the SIU investigation and ensuring clean governance and accountability.
Key points
- UDM deputy president Nqabayomzi Kwankwa criticizes Buffalo City Metro's unfinished projects, citing millions lost.
- The SIU investigation into Water World and other projects aims to determine the extent of any irregularities and potential losses.
- The UDM calls for accountability and transparency in municipal projects, promising to prioritize these values if elected.
