Durban — eThekwini Municipality residents did not hold back in sharing their stong views about the GO!Durban project following the Auditor-General's visit to Kwa-Zulu Natal’s commercial hub.
The R3 billion GO! Durban project was introduced in 2013 and was touted to revolutionise transport. It promised an integrated transport network for the people of eThekwini. It has yet to get off the ground.
On Tuesday, mayor Mxolisi Kaunda and other municipality officials accompanied AG Tsakani Maluleke on an oversight visit to various projects currently being implemented by the municipality, one of them being the GO!Durban project.
The municipality said that the visit was part of the AG’s roadshows in KZN.
Responding to the news on the municipality’s Facebook page, this is what some residents said:
Liz Jackson said: “Glad they visited the Go Nowhere Durban Project. It is indeed a fine example of how we do not get things done while milking our ratepayers for them.”
Jackson also questioned whether they also discussed the upcoming pipe renewal project, the one that was paid for but not done all those years ago.
Shane Peasey said: “Standing next to a white elephant. The taxi owners demanding to be compensated R1m each per taxi on the route?”
Laura Lyn Finch said: “I asked the question 6 years ago… have the taxi bosses approved this? Obviously, they didn’t, but you never responded.”
Tony Martins said GO!Durban should have been operating over six years ago. It cost eThekwini more for security than it being operational.
“Just another white elephant project,” he said.
Bradley Burczak described the project as a sad state of affairs, a project that has taken way too long and stolen funds to complete.
“All standing and smiling like a bunch of heroes like they have done such a wonderful job!! Please can we have a complete overhaul of this useless leadership? Take the AG around town and show her what a dump you have created here,” Burczak said.
Clint Galtrey said the project was a waste of money. He questioned how much had been spent already.
“It's a non-operational bus stop white elephant. Money for cleaning and security every month. Whose stupid idea was this?”
Responding to some of the Facebook comments on their page, the eThekwini Municipality said: “The city is working with key stakeholders to prepare for the start of the GO!Durban service. Please be patient, keep your eyes on the city platforms, announcement of the start of this safer and cost-effective public transport will be made.”
Daily News