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R65 Million Wasted on Stalled Bhisho Precinct Project

By

Dear Editor

More than a decade of broken promises and squandered funds have left the Bhisho Precinct project as nothing more than a costly patch of vacant land. With expenditure now reaching R65 million, this project has failed the residents of the Eastern Cape.

Originally envisioned as a central hub to house seven provincial departments that currently rent costly office space in Buffalo City, the Bhisho Precinct was intended to save over R200 million annually in rental costs and improve operational efficiencies. However, after years of failed bids and missed deadlines, the site remains empty, pointing to gross mismanagement and a troubling lack of accountability.

The project has faced numerous setbacks, including infrastructure challenges and failed efforts to secure a developer. Despite repeated assurances from Premier Oscar Mabuyane of the project’s potential, the reality is a costly project with no return on investment. From stalled bidding processes to infrastructure issues – such as inadequate bulk water and sanitation – the Bhisho Precinct has become a symbol of wasted resources and unfulfilled promises.

The DA calls for immediate transparency and accountability. Eastern Cape residents deserve better, especially in a province already struggling to provide essential services.

The DA will be monitoring this project closely to ensure public funds are used responsibly and that those responsible for this failure are held accountable.

Residents should not continue to bear the burden of empty promises. It’s time for the Eastern Cape provincial government to either take meaningful action or abandon this project in favour of real improvements to our infrastructure and service delivery.

Regards

Dr Malcolm Figg MPL
DA EC Shadow MEC for Finance

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Port Elizabethan

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