PORT ST. JOHNS, EASTERN CAPE — As the O.R. Tambo District Municipality faces mounting scrutiny over severe service delivery failures, the Democratic Alliance (DA) is demanding immediate accountability regarding the stalled Ntsonyeni Dam. Mbongeni Kotani, a DA councillor representing the district, alleges that R143 million in public funds was squandered through alleged collusion between local politicians and service providers.
The political pressure comes at a critical time. The first voter registration weekend has just wrapped up, with residents across Port St. Johns, Mandunini, and remote inland villages preparing for the November 4 elections. Despite widespread disillusionment over deteriorating roads and persistent water shortages, citizens continue to flock to voting stations to register, hoping to vote out the current leadership.
Communities were initially promised economic rejuvenation through state-backed revitalization programs. These included a tourism hub initiative and a small hub project designed to boost the local fisheries and maritime sectors while creating jobs. However, Kotani points out that these initiatives have failed to materialize, leaving residents without even the most basic municipal services.
The focal point of the financial misconduct allegations is the Ntsonyeni Dam. Conceived in 2002 to establish a bulk water supply for the district, the infrastructure project was slated for completion within three to three-and-a-half years. More than two decades later, the dam remains unfinished despite R143 million already being disbursed.
According to the opposition councillor, the O.R. Tambo municipal administration and politicians entered into questionable agreements with contractors. When Kotani and other oversight members attempted to launch internal investigations, they discovered that crucial documents and invoices had vanished. Instead of pursuing the missing paperwork, the council allegedly chose to condone the massive financial losses.
Kotani did not mince words regarding the ruling party’s role, accusing the African National Congress (ANC) of shielding municipal managers, contractors, and the council from scrutiny. He alleged that the local political leadership operates with an agenda to “milk the money with contractors” rather than developing infrastructure or bringing potable water to society.
To rectify the situation, the DA is calling for the intervention of Chapter 9 institutions. Kotani invoked Section 32, subsection 5 of the Financial Management Act (Act 56), which stipulates that any wasteful expenditure must be recovered from the individuals responsible. He insists that anyone found guilty of misusing taxpayer funds must repay the institution.
Looking ahead to the November 4 polls, the opposition party maintains that a change in leadership is imperative. Kotani asserts that any incoming administration must immediately task Chapter 9 entities with investigating the Ntsonyeni Dam debacle. Meanwhile, the residents of Port St. Johns continue to brave the municipal infighting, casting their ballots in the hope that the water crisis will finally be resolved.