JOHANNESBURG - Five public facilities that cost over R209 million to build in the Ekurhuleni Metro remain unused by residents.
Despite grand openings and a handover, the public still cannot access the facilities. The centres were meant to be used for sport, early childhood development and skills training.
A stadium with various sporting facilities was completed in Bakerton, Springs in 2024 and cost R27 million to construct.
"It is a very sad situation," said ward councillor, Dean Stone.
"We've got two big holidays in December where soccer clubs can't use the facility, netball clubs can't use the court; what do the youth do?" he said.
The Vosloorus Multipurpose Centre cost R26.3 million to construct and stands unused for about two to three years.
Also in Vosloorus, an ECD centre which cost R23 million to construct stands unused for between four and five years.
An ECD in Eden Park in Alberton, which cost R23.7 million, stands unused for up to five years. In addition, the Reiger Park Enterprise Hub and Ramaphosa Vocational Skills Centre cost R108.7-million.
The City says it is unused for one year.
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All these unused facilities have cost the taxpayer R209.2 million. The municipality has blamed missing water and road connections, protests and unaffordable rent for the closures.
The Metro cannot give firm opening dates and say guarding the facilities costs R192,464 a month. The City cannot say what further work will cost.