By Nangamso Mabindla
6 October 2006

The R140-million received in 1995 from the national government by the East London Transitional Local Council (TLC) was used to fund various projects in the municipal area, according to Darby Gounden, the City's communications manager.

Gounden was speaking after allegations were made that the money was misused.

She said a steering committee was established to ensure that the funding was used appropriately. "The committee comprised of the Duncan Village Community Development Forum, Reconstruction and Development Programme standing committee members and the Duncan Village community.

"Various project committees were also formed and these reported to the steering committee."

According to the financial records, about R120-million was spent on various projects in the Duncan Village area, she said. These ranged from electricity to access roads, water and sewerage, library facilities, vegetation control, clinics, sports fields, a fire station, a community hall, environmental community gardens, nurseries, skills training and a community housing fund and other community building projects.

Gounden said that for the East London TLC to access the funding, business plans were completed in order of priority by the municipality and approved by the provincial department of housing and local government. Implementation of projects began after this approval was given.

"The project lifespan was over a period of six years from 1995 until 2001. Following the completion of the projects, the remaining R20-million was returned to the provincial government," she said.