The Democratic Alliance (DA) condemns the ANC-Led Emfuleni for the wasteful expenditure of R2 million on plastic refuse bags that have yet to be seen or utilised, whilst more pressing service delivery challenges persist.
The DA submitted questions to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature on the amount that had been spent on plastic refuse bags, sceptical of the purpose it is intended to serve since neither refuse trucks nor residents utilise them, they are not considered essential.
The response received only created more suspicion as a purchase of R2 million of plastic refuse bags was confirmed.
Despite this staggering amount spent on the colossal number of plastic refuge bags, waste collection fails, and rubbish piles up across Emfuleni. This is a frivolous use of resources but, more problematically, we cannot be pointed to these bags actually being used.
This reflects a clear disconnect between expenditure and the real needs of residents.
This casts doubt on what the true motive was behind the procurement, giving the impression that it was a possible lucrative contract intended to only financially benefit the political elite with no consideration to the actual needs of Emfuleni residents.
This suggests further possible corruption within the ranks of Emfuleni Municipality, which the DA will continue to expose.
The DA will be demanding answers in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature to hold to account those who have apparently recklessly spent millions of rands of public money on pointless plastic refuse bags.
The DA will continue to fight to uphold governance that is transparent and founded on good judgement on behalf of the residents of Emfuleni.