The Democratic Alliance (DA) mayoral candidate in Emfuleni, Kingsol Chabalala, has accused the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements and the Emfuleni Local Municipality of alleged corruption involving a R24 million sanitation project in Evaton.
Chabalala addressed the media on Wednesday after an oversight visit to newly installed sanitation structures, which he claims are overpriced and poorly built.
According to the DA, the toilets were installed in 2024 after residents had previously built their own structures. The party says a petition was submitted to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature in 2015, raising concerns about residents relying on pit toilets.
Earlier this year, the legislature reportedly confirmed that 30 sanitation units had been constructed to address the matter.
However, after further questions about the procurement process and project costs, it was allegedly revealed that R24 million had been spent. The DA says each unit, described as a “shack toilet”, cost approximately R815,000.
Each structure is reportedly fitted with solar panels and contains four toilets and two shower taps.
Speaking at the site, Chabalala said the project showed clear signs of corruption.
“As the DA, we believe this project has all the hallmarks of corruption. It cannot be that such a simple structure costs over R815,000. It is deeply concerning that the ANC-led Gauteng government and the municipality appear to be exploiting the suffering of residents for financial gain,” he said.
Resident Jabulile Mofokeng said the community was not consulted before construction began.
“They came and removed our toilets without informing us and replaced them with these structures. We have not used them since they were installed last year. The materials do not reflect the claimed cost. It would have been better to build something more durable, like brick structures,” she said.
Chabalala also argued that the R24 million could have been better used to address electricity shortages in the area.
“With R24 million, at least R16 million could have been used to install electricity infrastructure, such as transformers, to benefit over 200 households,” he said.
The DA says it plans to open a criminal case against both the department and the municipality. Chabalala said the party would also push for the blacklisting of service providers involved.
“We will ensure that those responsible are held accountable and face the full might of the law. This is a scandal that must be exposed,” he said.