By OBAKENG MAJE 

27 March 2025- The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in North West has expressed frustration over a protracted delay in the R112 million construction of a tar road in Taung. The 10km road runs from Matsheng to Molelema village.  

In 2020, the Botong Construction and JV Nkolele Projects were appointed in a joint venture to the tune of R65 018 991.18 (VAT incl), but the budget was increased after court fiasco.

SANCO provincial spokesperson, Mzukisi Jam said the project has been under construction for almost five years. Jam said these shenanigans being done by these people, dent the image and integrity of the North West Provincial Government (NWPG). He said these kinds of arrangements between the contractors and MECs are the reason for the failure of most of the projects. 

“We have tried to engage the Office of the North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua in quest of getting answers, but to no avail. However, taxpayers’ money has been used to pay the contractor, but nothing is happening.

“So, to us, it does not matter who is involved in this corruption scandal, but we are going to beat the dog until the owner comes out. We are not going to fold our arms, while the taxpayers’ money is being flushed down the drain by those who do not care and serve no interest,” he said. 

Jam further said it is excruciating to see that this is not the only road construction project being stalled. He added that the same thing is happening in other areas across the province. 

“You will find unfinished projects belonging to the department. Sadly, when we engaged Mokua, she blamed the previous MEC. However, these projects belong to her portfolio whether she likes it or not. 

“Inherently, we have made a call that she will respond as soon as possible. However, what we have realised is that, if one wants to talk to these people, we must do it through Chapter 9 institutions because their arrogance does not allow them to talk to ordinary citizens like us,” said Jam. 

He alleged that those in power are so high and mighty, forgetting that they were placed there by the masses. Jam said as SANCO, they have declared 2025, a year of accountability and they only care about nothing else, but service delivery. 

Meanwhile, the North West Public Works and Roads spokesperson, Mmakgori Tong said: “The revised contractual agreement between the contractor and the department end date was March 2024, which has lapsed. Currently, the contractor is not on site.

“This project was stalled due to contractual complexities. The catchup plan has not been submitted to the department, and it is in this regard that the department has called a meeting with the agent by the end of this week to address the matter and prevent further delays.”
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