IN CONVERSATION WITH KINGSOL CHABALALA
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The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport is facing public backlash after confirming it spent over R32 million on upgrading a section of Evaton Road in the Vaal—despite the road remaining in a dire state.
The stretch in question lies between Adams and Selbourne roads in Small Farms, situated between iMfundo Primary School and Tokelo Secondary School, separated by the Rietspruit stream. Today, the area consists of a gravel road, an informal footpath over the stream, and an illegal dumping site—with no visible signs of the promised upgrades.
The project was first announced in 2016 by then-premier David Makhura during his State of the Province address, promising much-needed improvements to the road. Yet, nearly a decade later, residents say the situation has not changed.
Responding to questions from DA MPL Kingsol Chabalala, Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela claimed the upgrade project began in October 2017 and was completed by August 2018. She also stated that her department was satisfied with the implementation and performance of the contractors.
According to Diale-Tlabela’s written reply in the provincial legislature:
The main contractor was paid R17.3 million.
The consulting firm received over R6.1 million.
Around R8.6 million was paid to several local SMMEs and subcontractors for services such as roadworks, equipment hire, security, and cleaning.
However, a recent site visit paints a different picture.
Residents say the road remains unpaved and hazardous, especially during the rainy season. The Rietspruit stream often floods, making it nearly impossible for schoolchildren to cross safely.
“The road only exists on Google Maps,” one resident remarked.
“When it rains, it floods completely. A funeral procession recently couldn’t even reach the deceased’s home,” added another.
Chabalala expressed outrage, accusing the department of misleading the public and the legislature.
“Despite promises made in 2016, the road remains in a shocking condition. It poses a serious danger to pedestrians and motorists alike,” he said.
He further noted the contradiction between the MEC’s claims and the reality on the ground, announcing the DA will request an oversight inspection by the legislature’s roads and transport portfolio committee.
Should the inspection confirm the road was never upgraded, the DA plans to refer MEC Diale-Tlabela to the legislature’s ethics committee for allegedly misleading the House.
“She must account for what happened to the R32 million reportedly spent,” Chabalala insisted.
As of publication, the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport had not responded to questions sent on Friday.
The stretch in question lies between Adams and Selbourne roads in Small Farms, situated between iMfundo Primary School and Tokelo Secondary School, separated by the Rietspruit stream. Today, the area consists of a gravel road, an informal footpath over the stream, and an illegal dumping site—with no visible signs of the promised upgrades.
The project was first announced in 2016 by then-premier David Makhura during his State of the Province address, promising much-needed improvements to the road. Yet, nearly a decade later, residents say the situation has not changed.
Responding to questions from DA MPL Kingsol Chabalala, Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela claimed the upgrade project began in October 2017 and was completed by August 2018. She also stated that her department was satisfied with the implementation and performance of the contractors.
According to Diale-Tlabela’s written reply in the provincial legislature:
The main contractor was paid R17.3 million.
The consulting firm received over R6.1 million.
Around R8.6 million was paid to several local SMMEs and subcontractors for services such as roadworks, equipment hire, security, and cleaning.
However, a recent site visit paints a different picture.
Residents say the road remains unpaved and hazardous, especially during the rainy season. The Rietspruit stream often floods, making it nearly impossible for schoolchildren to cross safely.
“The road only exists on Google Maps,” one resident remarked.
“When it rains, it floods completely. A funeral procession recently couldn’t even reach the deceased’s home,” added another.
Chabalala expressed outrage, accusing the department of misleading the public and the legislature.
“Despite promises made in 2016, the road remains in a shocking condition. It poses a serious danger to pedestrians and motorists alike,” he said.
He further noted the contradiction between the MEC’s claims and the reality on the ground, announcing the DA will request an oversight inspection by the legislature’s roads and transport portfolio committee.
Should the inspection confirm the road was never upgraded, the DA plans to refer MEC Diale-Tlabela to the legislature’s ethics committee for allegedly misleading the House.
“She must account for what happened to the R32 million reportedly spent,” Chabalala insisted.
As of publication, the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport had not responded to questions sent on Friday.