Infrastructure projects neglected: GDID incurred R48 million in fruitless and wasteful expenditure

30 October 2023

Gauteng residents are being deprived of much-needed infrastructure like schools, libraries, and clinics because the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development (GDID) has incurred fruitless and wasteful expenditure to the tune of R48 million.

GDID paid the landlord of the Game building in the Johannesburg Central Business District (JHB CBD) R8,3 million while this building was being renovated and not occupied.

Furthermore, R39,8 million was also incurred as fruitless and wasteful expenditure due to a court settlement paid to a service provider for supplying oxygen at hospitals.

This points to poor planning on the part of GDID, and instead of using the money to ensure that critical infrastructure projects are completed on time and within budget, they are spent on unplanned line items.

For a long time now, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng has been highlighting the fact that this department lacks the proper leadership and skills needed to manage infrastructure projects that will benefit the residents of the province.

The DA will continue to put pressure on the MEC for Infrastructure Development, Lebogang Maile, to ensure that this department is whipped into shape and starts delivering on its core mandate within the specified time frames and budget.

Issued by Nico De Jager, DA Gauteng Spokesperson for Infrastructure Development, 30 October 2023