Dikgerekgere Project under fire, community calls for accountability and better service delivery

DENNILTON – The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Dikgerekgere project has come under fire from the community, with EFF Councillor in Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM), Ali Maloba, alleging that the programme is a “mediocre” effort that prioritizes temporary fixes over comprehensive infrastructure development.

The Limpopo Department of Public Works has been accused of prioritizing over-spending on interim maintenance work rather than budgeting for road upgrade projects.

Cllr Maloba expressed concern that the community is being subjected to substandard service delivery, with unqualified personnel performing technical skills without supervision from engineers.

“The EPWP Dikgerekgere project is purely aimed at labour-intensive methods, providing temporary fixes rather than lasting solutions to service delivery backlogs,” Maloba said.

The community fears that the roads fixed through the EPWP Dikgerekgere programme will quickly deteriorate after the rains, requiring further repairs and wasting taxpayer money.

Maloba questioned the Department of Public Works’ priorities, asking why proper civil engineers are not being appointed, why visibility studies are not being conducted, and why local universities and technical institutions are not being involved in the project.

According to Maloba, between 2019 and 2025, the Limpopo Department of Public Works has spent over R1 billion on maintaining the R25, with R500 million spent on maintenance alone.

“Proper planning is a major concern. Why not appointing proper civil engineers, conducting visibility studies, and working with local universities and technical institutions?” asked Maloba.

Maloba called on the community to formally report their concerns and frustrations to Section 9 institutions, stating that the current situation is unacceptable.

“The poor rural community of Limpopo is experiencing mediocre poor workmanship from the EPWP Dikgerekgere project. It is time for accountability and better service delivery. We demand proper infrastructure development, not temporary fixes,” he said.

Residents have echoed Cllr Maloba’s sentiments, expressing frustration and desperation.

“The roads are in a terrible state, and it’s getting worse. We need permanent solutions, not band-aids,” said a resident.

The EPWP Dikgerekgere project has been marred by controversy, with allegations of over-priced materials, contracted service providers, and lack of transparency.

When approached for a respond on the allegations, the Public Works Department could not provide the paper with a clear plan for improving service delivery and infrastructure development in Limpopo.