Multi-Million rand community project in ruins
Luwamba project become a white elephant
A MULTI-MILLION rand economic development project launched in mid-2013 to uplift the Ntambanana community, has all but collapsed and is in ruin.
And no government structures have intervened to prevent its disintegration.
During a landmark signing ceremony that year of the public private partnership between the then KZN Premier Dr Zweli Mkhize, the uThungulu District and multinational company Tongaat Hulett, major agricultural projects supported by a R75-million bulk water supply system and a state-of-the art Luwamba multipurpose centre for skills training, were among the initiatives touted to bring new hope and prosperity to the area.
It was then revealed that:
• More than 11 000 hectares of state land would be developed, of which 4 000ha was suitable for crop production and 7 000ha for stock rearing and tourism;
• A poultry project was underway employing 60 people;
• A pasture for dairy cattle and milking shed;
• A thousand mango trees and 100 citrus trees planted.
These projects would have made a significant contribution towards boosting much needed employment opportunities in a depressed economic environment, while the R11-million Luwamba Centre, funded by the KZN Premier’s Office, would provide a multitude of skills training ventures, empowering the local community to become entrepreneurial and more self-reliant.
Following complaints since last year by the Ntambanana community, a visit by a Premier’s Office representative Nontokozo Gwambe and an official of the uMhlathuze Municipality on Tuesday, revealed the shocking level of deterioration.
PHOTOS: Steven Makhanya
The empowerment projects have basically collapsed. All the dairy cattle and pigs have perished and the chicken farm has become defunct as all the chickens have been stolen. Mango and citrus trees are dying and the once productive vegetable gardens are now overgrown by weeds.
Seven water tanks, one of two tractors, a generator and a water pump have also been stolen.
Beds and other equipment at the Luwamba Centre’s clinic are rotting away and gathering dust in one of the rooms and its state-of-the-art computer centre is non-functional.
A crèche, a sewing training project, an arts and crafts centre and Home Affairs offices.have for all practical purposes ceased operations.
Kwambe was not prepared to comment at this stage.
Project administrator blamed
The project committee members blame the former Project Administrator and Manager, Dr D Naidoo, who they allege squandered project funds.
The committee members feel the Office of the Premier has let the community down.
‘We were beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel, hoping our lives and those of our families would improve, but now this project is practically dead,’ the committee said.
‘The little stipends we received every month were stopped in April 2016 after the retirement of the project administrator. We were then told the project would be administered by the Obuka Traditional Trust.
‘But sadly the trust has never met with us. Now it seems like we have two committees, all looking after the affairs of the same project.’
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