ActionSA demands accountability for alleged R6 million borehole scandal in Fezile Dabi

SASOLBURG - ActionSA says it notes with outrage the alleged misuse of public funds in the Fezile Dabi District Municipality in Sasolburg, where over R6 million was reportedly spent to drill just six boreholes. ActionSA Free State Chairperson, Patricia Kopane, said in a statement one these boreholes was allegedly placed in the municipal manager’s backyard. News24 reports the district municipality, which is located on the banks of the Vaal Dam and seated in Sasolburg, advertised a tender for the drilling and equipping of six boreholes in Tweeling/Mafahlaneng in June last year. The cash-strapped municipality, which commands an annual budget of R189.3 million, issued a tender for boreholes in a bid to alleviate the shortage of bulk water distribution in the area. However, at the time of issuing the tender, the municipality did not provide the location, connection mains and other details, but it issued the tender anyway. ActionSA said it is disgraceful that money meant to provide water for struggling communities was allegedly diverted for personal gain. Kopane said ActionSA will follow up on the case opened with the Human Rights Commission in 2024 and will also request the Office of the Public Protector to investigate these serious allegations against the municipal manager.