Emfuleni, Gauteng – The Democratic Alliance has raised serious concerns over an alleged R2 million expenditure on plastic refuse bags by the Emfuleni Local Municipality, claiming the items have not been used while service delivery continues to deteriorate.
The issue was brought to light by Kingsol Chabalala, who questioned the municipality’s spending priorities amid ongoing waste management challenges.
Millions Spent, But No Visible Impact
According to the DA, responses received from the Gauteng Provincial Legislature confirmed that R2 million was spent on plastic refuse bags, yet there is little evidence that these bags are being used.
Chabalala said the party initially raised questions due to concerns that:
- Refuse trucks are not using the bags
- Residents have not received or seen them
- The bags are not considered essential to current waste collection processes
Despite the significant expenditure, waste collection services in Emfuleni remain inconsistent, with rubbish continuing to pile up in several communities.
Concerns Over Mismanagement and Possible Corruption
The DA has described the spending as wasteful and unjustified, suggesting a disconnect between municipal spending and the real needs of residents.
Chabalala warned that the procurement raises serious questions about accountability:
“This creates the impression that the contract may have been designed to benefit politically connected individuals rather than address service delivery challenges.”
The party believes the situation could point to potential corruption within the municipality and has vowed to pursue further investigation.
Calls for Accountability
The DA says it will escalate the matter within the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, demanding:
- Full transparency on the procurement process
- Proof of delivery and usage of the refuse bags
- Accountability for officials involved in the expenditure
The party reiterated its commitment to clean governance and responsible use of public funds, particularly in municipalities facing ongoing service delivery crises.
Service Delivery Still a Major Concern
Residents in Emfuleni continue to face:
- Irregular waste collection
- Overflowing rubbish in communities
- Declining municipal services
Critics argue that funds should instead be directed toward improving basic services rather than questionable procurement.
