By: Natasha Archary
The North West government has defended its decision to spend R780 000 on 20 donkey carts which were donated to villagers in rural communities.
In a bid to “alleviate challenges” faced by many impoverished communities, Community Safety MEC Sello Lehari said the donkey carts would benefit the community who struggle with transport.
However, the cost of the 20 donkey carts were slammed by the DA and social media users who called the initiative another government scam to siphon funds.
The DA said it was appalled by the NW government’s “donation” of 20 donkey carts at an exorbitant price of R780 000.
“The ANC in the province has failed to invest in critical infrastructure and public transport. Municipalities returned R138 million in unspent conditional grants.”
But the North West government saiys the 20 carts were procured for R78 000 which includes a 3-year maintenance plan.
“As part of the contract with the department, the service provider will maintain the carts for the next 3-years at no costs to owners. The carts come in 2-seaters for R32 500 and 4-seaters for R45 500.”
Lehari said that the carts would be put to use to transport children to school, take the elderly and sick to clinics as well as help farmers to move their farming equipment around.
He urged people not to spread false information about the initiative and said that the carts were made locally and therefore benefitted the community in more than one way.
“On Thursday, 3rd of November 2022, MEC Sello Lehari handed the carts to twenty beneficiaries of Dibono and Manawana villages outside Mahikeng most of whom are women.
In line with the National Land Transport Act, NLTA, this seeks to alleviate challenges faced by rural communities. The carts were manufactured in Lonely Park in Mafikeng and there had been a skills transfer to some of the beneficiaries.”
The North West government defended its donation of 20 donkey carts for R780 000
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