DA opposes additional R184m funding for Polokwane Softball Stadium
The DA in Polokwane has opposed an additional R184 million allocation to complete the international softball stadium.
The project is jointly funded by the municipality and the Limpopo Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.
R69 million has already been spent since the stadium's initial approval in the 2019/20 financial year.
The DA says co-funding the project will strain other capital projects funded through the Integrated Urban Development Grant.
Projects at risk include roads, waste facilities, electrical upgrades, and rural sports infrastructure.
Delays have been caused by vandalism, COVID-19, business forum disruptions, and cash flow problems.
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POLOKWANE – The DA in Polokwane has voiced its opposition to the additional R184m in funding allocated for the completion of the Polokwane Softball Stadium.
Read more: Polokwane Softball Stadium gets R184m boost after years of delays
The municipality confirmed last week that the municipal council and the Limpopo Department of Sport, Arts and Culture have pooled resources to finalise the long-delayed project, with completion anticipated in early 2026.
According to municipal spokesperson Mantlako Sebaka, the stadium has already cost the municipality R69m approved during the 2019/20 financial year.
In 2023, the DA said it actively opposed the municipality's co-funding of over R90m, warning that the expenditure would affect other capital projects funded through the Integrated Urban Development Grant.
These projects include road upgrades, waste transfer stations, electrical infrastructure, and the development of rural sports facilities.
DA councillor Jacques Joubert reiterated the party's stance, saying the project has been plagued by challenges, including vandalism, business forum stoppages, Covid-19 delays, and cash flow issues.
He added that in 2023, the projected cost of completing the stadium was estimated at over R251m, which the party viewed as unrealistic for the municipality's financial capacity.
Sebaka said the current project scope includes the completion of general external works, the grandstand, mechanical and electrical installations, and the roof.
Joubert added that the DA has requested the Municipal Public Accounts Committee to investigate possible poor planning and financial mismanagement related to the project.
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