By Johnathan Paoli
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has expressed concern over the cost and management of a three-kilometre road upgrade in Ward 12, Thabong, Matjhabeng Municipality, Free State.
The project, officially handed over earlier this month by executive mayor Thanduxolo David Khalipha, came with a R29 million price tag.
While welcoming the infrastructure improvements, DA councillor Abigail Schoeman described the cost as “shockingly high” and called for urgent scrutiny.
“Residents have every right to know whether they are getting value for their money. It is apparent to any observer that the figure appears to be far higher per square metre than what one would reasonably expect,” Schoeman said.
The project, funded through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG), reportedly created 44 local jobs and included the participation of four small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs).
Although the DA acknowledged these as positive outcomes, Schoeman stressed that they do not absolve the municipality from answering pressing questions about how the contract was awarded and managed.
To this end, the DA has formally submitted questions under Rule 52 of the Standard Rules and Orders to Acting Municipal Manager,
The party is requesting proof of where and when the tender was advertised; details of how many bids were received and from which companies; the Bills of Quantities (BOQs) of all submissions; the BOQ of the successful bid; and specifics of the SMMEs that benefited.
The opposition argues that only full disclosure will assure residents that public funds are being used responsibly.
“Municipal infrastructure money must not be treated as a blank cheque. Transparency is non-negotiable when R29 million of taxpayer money is at stake,” Schoeman said.
The concerns arise against a backdrop of growing frustration among Matjhabeng residents.
Earlier in the month, protesters gathered outside the municipality’s headquarters in Welkom, citing poor service delivery, dilapidated infrastructure, and incomplete projects.
Demonstrators, led by the Matjhabeng Concerned Residents group, further accused councillors of demanding sexual favours from women in exchange for employment opportunities and alleged that tenders were being awarded to outside companies rather than local contractors.
Police were deployed to monitor the demonstration as residents from across the municipality’s six towns voiced their grievances.
Leader of the protest, Paballo Nhlapo, warned that service delivery failures and corruption allegations were deepening public mistrust.
In this context, the DA’s call for transparency on the Thabong road project adds to mounting pressure on the municipality.
Schoeman emphasised that her party would continue to serve as a constructive opposition, saying her party would welcome progress where it benefits residents, but would not hesitate to demand accountability to protect the interests and purse of the community.
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