Zululand Observer - Weekender

IFP wants answers to failed projects

- Wiseman Mthiyane

THE IFP has challenged KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala to provide answers to the failed Luwamba project, which was meant to stimulate economic activity for the poverty stricken community of Ntambanana.

The party’s provincial spokespers­on, Blessed Gwala, said they were disturbed by the government’s continued failure to better the lives of the poor.

He was speaking during the debate on the premier’s budget speech.

‘We remain concerned about the many failed projects. We were made to believe that the Luwamba project would alleviate poverty by creating employment opportunit­ies for the rural communitie­s of King Cetshwayo.

‘This project has all but collapsed and is in ruin. The sad part is that no one has been held accountabl­e for the failure. Clearly this was another wasteful expenditur­e of public funds.

‘The IFP wants a thorough investigat­ion into the spending of the funds allocated for this project,’ he said.

Gwala added that his party noted the silence of the provincial government on matters in which millions of rands of taxpayers’ money are unaccounte­d for.

‘We wish to know who is being protected here? Officials implicated in the misappropr­iation of public funds must be made to pay back every cent.

‘We also demand answers about the non-existence of the Senzo Meyiwa Football Academy. This government must honour its promise made to the public and the Meyiwa family of creating this football academy.

‘No progress has been made so far regarding the training centre and football academy to be named after the late Orlando Pirates and national team goalkeeper.

‘The worst part is that even Senzo’s father is no more. He died without even seeing his son being honoured by the government. He died a bitter man,’ said Gwala. ‘We will not rest until the facts have been revealed and all questions have been answered.

‘We are concerned about the total lack of transparen­cy and feedback on progress of forensic investigat­ions in this province.

‘Today we are nowhere near meeting the ambitious targets set for poverty alleviatio­n, job creation, public education, food security and community health and safety.’

The sad part is that no one has been held accountabl­e for the failure

 ??  ?? IFP’s Blessed Gwala - demanding answers
IFP’s Blessed Gwala - demanding answers

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