R92 Million down the drain, EMLM’s Kgaphamadi Bus Road Project falls short

JERUSALEM – The Kgaphamadi Bus Road project in Jerusalem Village, initiated in 2014 in Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality (EMLM) Ward 21, has been marred by poor planning and execution, with a staggering R92 million spent to date.

The 8km road, meant to serve the community, is already showing signs of deterioration, with the surface peeling off.

The project’s shortcomings are glaring, including the lack of V-drains and small bridges, inadequate protection of the tar road, and the use of substandard materials.

EMLM Ward 21 Councillor Mpho Maphopa, who represents the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in EMLM Council, attributes the project’s woes to poor planning and execution by EMLM consultants and engineers. “It is concerning that millions of rands have been wasted, and the road is already falling apart,” Maphopa said.

The project’s funding history is a tale of incremental allocations and unmet needs. Initially, R65 million was allocated in 2014, followed by an additional R15 million in 2018, and R12 million in 2025. Despite this, the project remains incomplete, with an estimated R25 million needed to finish the job.

Maphopha blames EMLM for delaying funds and exacerbating the road’s deterioration. “The municipality should urgently address this matter and take responsibility for the project’s failures,” emphasized Maphopha.

A few year ago, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in EMLM has lodged a complaint with the Public Protector against EMLM over the project’s shoddy workmanship and cost.

DA Councillor in EMLM, Sipho Mmaboko, expressed concern over lack of transparency and accountability in the project’s budget and execution.

“The DA is committed to ensuring that residents receive value for money from projects meant to benefit their communities,” Mmaboko said. The DA has requested an investigation into possible corruption and wasteful expenditure.

The EMLM is yet to respond to the publication’s enquiries.