Millions lost on unfinished care facility for the elderly

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30/10/2024
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Vaal Weekblad
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Seven years later, the Boipatong Social Integrated Facility remains unfinished despite R39.3m being spent.

BOIPATONG.– What was meant to be hope for the elderly in Boipatong, has now turned into a headache for many.

With fenestration that had been erected now completely removed, rooftops severely damaged and the grass growing uncontrollably inside the buildings, this is the status of the facility.

The construction, which began in 2017, was expected to be completed in 2026, but has been halted for four years now. In a statement, Action SA’s Gauteng Provincial Chairperson, Funzi Ngobeni said the party is deeply concerned about the lack of progress. “We note with deep concern the lack of progress in the completion of the Boipatong Social Integrated Facility. The facility is currently the only one available to accommodate the elderly and, therefore, its completion is imperative.” According to Ngobeni, Action SA will take up the matter with the Gauteng Department of Social Development. 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 Emfuleni 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.

Mary Moeketsi (81) who was supposed to be a beneficiary of the project said: “We are tired of being sent from pillar to post without any tangible assistance.”

She made a request to Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi to come and witness what they are subjected to. Social Development spokesperson Teddy Gomba said the department of Infrastructure has already commenced with planning processes to ensure that the project is complemented.

“Implementation of the project will be done through Framework for Procurement and Delivery Management Process, an approved guiding principle on how to implement projects efficient and effective. A competent Project Manager and contractor will be assigned to complete the project and all risk factors will be considered. Oversight monitoring bodies will also be brought on board to play their mandatory role,” he said.