Concerns over delayed completion of social integrated facility in Emfuleni

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ActionSA says it is deeply concerned about the lack of progress in completion of Boipatong social integrated facility in Emfuleni municipality.

This comes after the party conducted an oversight visit in the area on Tuesday with a view of seeking answers from those in government at the provincial legislature.

Funzi Ngobeni, Gauteng chairperson said Boipatong Social Integrated Facility is currently the only facility available to accommodate the elderly and, therefore, its completion is imperative.

“During our engagement with neighbouring residents, local leaders and elderly beneficiaries, who were supposed to be accommodated there, many questions and concerns were raised.

“The construction, which began in 2017 and was expected to be completed in 2026, has been halted for almost four years now.

“The total amount of money that has been used on the project todate is R 39.3 million, yet the building remains incomplete and in a state of dire decay,” he remarked.

Ngobeni highlighted that fenestration that had been erected has been completely removed, rooftops have been severely damaged and the grass is growing uncontrollably inside the buildings.

According to a local leader of the Kgopolang Old Age Services, Sibongile Matebesi, who looks after the elderly, the provincial department of social development made payments to the Emfuleni local municipality for the entire project.

She further stated that, despite her organisation being responsible for requesting the building of a care facility for the elderly, she was never involved in the planning of the facility.

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Ngobeni said an 81-year old elder, who was supposed to be a beneficiary of the project, Mary Moeketsi, said that they were tired of being sent from pillar to post without any tangible assistance.

He added; “She made a request to Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi to come and witness the circumstances that they are subjected to.”

Push to complete social integrated facility

Ngobeni stated that they will take up the matter with the Gauteng department of social development.

“We will help push responsible departments and entities for the completion of this project, so as to ease some of the difficulties faced by elderly beneficiaries.

“We call on the leadership of Gauteng province and Emfuleni local municipality to collectively address this matter with the urgency it deserves,” he expressed.