Rustenburg did not overspend on rapid transport system, Scopa hears

The Rustenburg local municipality did not overspend on the Rustenburg Rapid Transport (RRT) project, the North West Scopa heard on Wednesday.

Mayor Mpho Khunou, Speaker Sheila Mabale-Huma and Municipal Manager Nqobile Sithole were called to appear before the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) to account after allegation that the municipality had spent R4-billion more on the project.

In June, the Democratic Alliance (DA) wrote to Scopa chairperson, Mahlakeng Mahlakeng, requesting him to summon the municipality to account for the R4-billion increase in cost for the project.

DA provincial leader Joe McGluwa said the people of North West were entitled to know what progress has been made on the project, including the completion date.

“Government must perform its functions openly and be accountable to the public at all times. The DA believes that openness, transparency and accountability are a keystone to a thriving democratic society.”

Sithole tabled a presentation showing that the municipality received R2.8-billion and to date had spent R2.4-billion.

The committee accepted the municipality’s report, asked the municipality to properly formulate the report and send it back to the committee.

Rustenburg is one of 13 cities around South Africa selected by national government to implement a public transport improvement project.