JOHANNESBURG - Four years after construction began, the R50-million Yetta Nathan Youth Development Centre in Orlando West remains incomplete, leaving residents frustrated and questioning repeated delays.
The facility was intended to support children’s education and development while serving as a multi-purpose community centre. Instead, abandoned rooms and unfinished structures now stand as a reminder of a project that has yet to deliver on its promise.
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Residents here say what was meant to be a beacon of hope has instead become a den of despair.
Instead of classrooms filled with children, the site now stands abandoned.
What remains are empty passages and incomplete structures.
Ward councillor Tumelo Madiba attributes the setbacks to poor workmanship by the initial contractor and budget constraints faced by the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA).
"The first contractor did not do the right things, and their contract was terminated," said Madiba.
A new contractor has since been appointed, with construction expected to resume on 1 July.
Madiba says the project should be completed within three months once work recommences.
- eNCA's Manqoba Mchunu reports.