DA questions R29m road upgrade in Matjhabeng

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