BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MANTABENI – The Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has launched an on-site review of the long-delayed Nondvo Dam Project in Mantabeni, where more than E50 million has already been spent on feasibility studies and related preparatory work since 2017, despite construction yet to commence.
The oversight visit, conducted on Monday, was led by PAC Deputy Chairperson Manzi Zwane and forms part of the committee’s ongoing efforts to assess government-funded projects that have experienced prolonged delays. The Nondvo Dam Project is one of two major water infrastructure initiatives currently under scrutiny by the committee.
The Public Accounts Committee plays a critical role in Parliament by ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of public resources. Its responsibilities include examining government expenditure, reviewing audit findings, and conducting field inspections to determine whether public projects are delivering value for money to taxpayers.
During the visit, committee members sought detailed explanations on how the E50 million allocated for studies was utilized, what milestones have been achieved to date, and the factors that continue to hinder the project’s implementation. The committee engaged officials from the responsible ministry, project representatives, and members of the local community to gain a comprehensive understanding of the project’s status and future prospects.
For residents of Mantabeni, the project represents both opportunity and uncertainty. Community members welcomed the chance to engage directly with parliamentarians, raising concerns about the potential impact the proposed dam may have on their homes, livelihoods, and social networks.
Several residents expressed fears that eventual construction could require relocation from land their families have occupied for generations. Others highlighted concerns about being separated from neighbours, schools, churches, and support systems that form the foundation of community life.
Addressing residents, Zwane emphasized that PAC’s primary responsibility is to ensure public funds are used responsibly and that government projects achieve their intended objectives. He said the committee is determined to establish whether taxpayers are receiving value for the significant investment already made in the Nondvo Dam Project.
The committee’s findings are expected to contribute to broader efforts aimed at strengthening accountability and transparency in the management of public resources. Upon completion of its assessment of the stalled water projects, PAC will compile a report containing its findings and recommendations for consideration by Parliament and relevant government authorities.
The Nondvo Dam Project remains a matter of keen public interest, with stakeholders hopeful that the review process will provide clarity on the future of the initiative and the path towards delivering critical water infrastructure for the benefit of communities and the country’s development agenda.
(Courtesy Pic)
