GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Following the recent public uproar about the Dr Beyers Naude Local Municipality's (DBNLM) intention to dispose of municipal property without following due process, it is now alleged that the municipality has already alienated land without any public participation.
According to Amos Mcinga, spokesperson of the Service Delivery Movement (SDM), it has been confirmed by the DBNLM supply chain management that the failed Spandauville housing development properties in Bergendal have been sold to a Stellenbosch-based businessman with undisclosed identity in February 2020.
The Spandauville Housing Development project was initially undertaken by the Amatenda Group in 2005 but halted before completion as a result of financial problems. The aim of the project was to address the urgent need for affordable housing for middle class families in Graaff-Reinet.
More than ten years after the project has been brought to a halt, the 10.8 hectares of land were returned to the municipality who then stated that the site would be advertised for further development.
When Graaff-Reinet Advertiser approached the municipality in September 2017 to enquire into the way forward regarding the derelict houses, it was confirmed by the municipal communications officer that the tender for the development of the site has already been advertised and will be awarded soon.
No mention was made of any intention to alienate the land at that stage and, according to Mcinga, these properties have since been put out on tender and sold after two bids.
The Graaff-Reinet Advertiser has requested comment from the DBNLM in this regard but at time of going to print no response had been received.
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