ActionSA in Gauteng is deeply disappointed by the gross mismanagement and lack of accountability surrounding the so-called “Montrose Mega Project” in Randfontein. Despite R11 billion of public funds being spent, this project now stands as a symbol of government failure, with incomplete houses, poor project management, decaying infrastructure, and escalating criminal activity.
The oversight conducted on the 22nd of August 2024 by ActionSA, another on the 18th of September 2024 by NCOP and then again on the 29th of October 2024 by the Human Settlement Committee revealed the following shocking realities:
• Lack of bulk infrastructure (electricity, sanitation & water): Most houses remain without basic utilities, making them completely uninhabitable.
• Temporary water & sewer systems: A fragile, stopgap sewage system has been installed, which is prone to failure at any time, posing serious health risks. No human being deserves to live on temporal connections.
• Rampant vandalism and criminal activity: The project site has been stripped for scrap metal by criminals due to lack of security and oversight. Moreover, the area has become a haven for zama zamas, contributing to the rise in crime and lawlessness in Randfontein.
In addition to the incompetence demonstrated at municipal and provincial levels, this failure shows empty promises, blame-shifting & utter disrespect for the billions of rands wasted on a project that was meant to improve communities and give thousands of our citizens a place to live. No progress and nothing is done to hold officials accountable for the misuse of public money.
We cannot allow this R11 billion disaster to be swept under the rug while communities continue to suffer. ActionSA demands immediate action and transparency regarding this failed project.
We implore the MEC for Human Development Honourable Tasneem Motara and MEC for Infrastructure Development Honourable Jacob Mamabolo to:
Immediately share and present a comprehensive, clear and detailed infrastructure development plan for the required bulk services including water, electricity and proper sewerage. This project was not supposed to be started without bulk infrastructure. Without bulk infrastructure, it remains a white elephant.
Accountability and consequence management
ActionSA demands a full investigation into the waste and fruitless expenditure of public funds and that those responsible be held accountable, whether in local or provincial governments. There must be consequence management for the incompetence that has led to this disaster. Security measures to address crime.
Given the rise in criminal activity linked to the site, ActionSA calls for increased policing and security measures to remove illegal miners and restore safety to the area.
In addition to being an infrastructure disaster, this project is a breach of public confidence and a waste of tax revenue that could have changed lives and supplied much-needed housing. Because of government mismanagement, the residents of Randfontein have been left to suffer, and ActionSA will not let their predicament go unnoticed.
Our citizens deserve better, a sincere and accountable government, instead of blame-shifting to escape accountability. ActionSA will remain steadfast on its commitment to fight for accountability, transparency and service delivery at all government levels.
R11 Billion Mega Project in Randfontein: Montrose, a Monument of Government Failure and Mismanagement
ActionSA in Gauteng is deeply disappointed by the gross mismanagement and lack of accountability surrounding the so-called “Montrose Mega Project” in Randfontein. Despite R11 billion of public funds being spent, this project now stands as a symbol of government failure, with incomplete houses, poor project management, decaying infrastructure, and escalating criminal activity.
The oversight conducted on the 22nd of August 2024 by ActionSA, another on the 18th of September 2024 by NCOP and then again on the 29th of October 2024 by the Human Settlement Committee revealed the following shocking realities:
• Lack of bulk infrastructure (electricity, sanitation & water): Most houses remain without basic utilities, making them completely uninhabitable.
• Temporary water & sewer systems: A fragile, stopgap sewage system has been installed, which is prone to failure at any time, posing serious health risks. No human being deserves to live on temporal connections.
• Rampant vandalism and criminal activity: The project site has been stripped for scrap metal by criminals due to lack of security and oversight. Moreover, the area has become a haven for zama zamas, contributing to the rise in crime and lawlessness in Randfontein.
In addition to the incompetence demonstrated at municipal and provincial levels, this failure shows empty promises, blame-shifting & utter disrespect for the billions of rands wasted on a project that was meant to improve communities and give thousands of our citizens a place to live. No progress and nothing is done to hold officials accountable for the misuse of public money.
We cannot allow this R11 billion disaster to be swept under the rug while communities continue to suffer. ActionSA demands immediate action and transparency regarding this failed project.
We implore the MEC for Human Development Honourable Tasneem Motara and MEC for Infrastructure Development Honourable Jacob Mamabolo to:
Immediately share and present a comprehensive, clear and detailed infrastructure development plan for the required bulk services including water, electricity and proper sewerage. This project was not supposed to be started without bulk infrastructure. Without bulk infrastructure, it remains a white elephant.
Accountability and consequence management
ActionSA demands a full investigation into the waste and fruitless expenditure of public funds and that those responsible be held accountable, whether in local or provincial governments. There must be consequence management for the incompetence that has led to this disaster. Security measures to address crime.
Given the rise in criminal activity linked to the site, ActionSA calls for increased policing and security measures to remove illegal miners and restore safety to the area.
In addition to being an infrastructure disaster, this project is a breach of public confidence and a waste of tax revenue that could have changed lives and supplied much-needed housing. Because of government mismanagement, the residents of Randfontein have been left to suffer, and ActionSA will not let their predicament go unnoticed.
Our citizens deserve better, a sincere and accountable government, instead of blame-shifting to escape accountability. ActionSA will remain steadfast on its commitment to fight for accountability, transparency and service delivery at all government levels.