The Emfuleni Local Municipality, which has spent R48 429 722.00 from 2009 to date on Dickenson Park in Vereeniging, is now allegedly being sued by contractors for an additional R13 million.
Should they be successful it would bring the total cost of this park to over R61 million. This is what R61 million looks like: click here, here, here and here to view images.
The DA has been reliably informed that the list of contractors who initially started this project are now claiming for monies owed and challenging the legality of having their contracts terminated.
One company is suing for an additional R8 million as they procured toilets and lifts before the contract ended abruptly as this equipment was specially made to fit the Dickenson Park design.
Another company is claiming R5 million.
The DA was also informed that in addition to the alleged law suits, a contractor who was paid R6.4 million has spent the bulk of the funding received for renovations on an empty container on site and a security guard for two years.
Dickenson Park was supposed to be a precinct for the local residents to enjoy – equipped with a stage for performances, a clubhouse, VIP parking, reception and a ticketing building.
Renovations at the park began in February 2009, yet it is now simply an abandoned site. This is not the first time Emfuleni has wasted millions of rands on parks.
The ANC is running Emfuleni into the ground. The DA is of the view that because the municipality is in a dire financial situation, they should work together with the private sector to fix up the park and open it to the public.