More tenders have been advertised under the Free State Department of Human Settlements’ website for Bloemfontein’s so-called white elephant, Dark/Silver City flats.

The flats, based in Phahameng, were supposed to be completed during the tenure of Premier Ace Magashule around 2016, but in 2023 the flats are still unoccupied, and incomplete. In the beginning, at least R110 million was allocated to the development. However, by 2018 it was reported at least R260 million had been spent.

OFM News has tried in vain to ascertain how much the tenders which were recently advertised by the department are worth. According to the advertisements, there are two different tenders up for grabs, the first one is to complete the Dark/Silver City: top site, and the second one is to complete the Dark/Silver City: bottom site.

The advertisements of the tenders come after residents of Mangaung Metro Municipality attempted to forcefully occupy the flats. ActionSA has also raised its concerns over the delay in completing the development. The party’s provincial chairperson, Patricia Kopane, said residents have lost patience and have now taken matters into their own hands in response to what they perceive as a lack of commitment from the government.

The flats are left unoccupied without security. Picture: Tshehla Koteli

Cogta spokesperson, Athenkosi Mabona, previously told OFM News that the provincial Executive Committee (exco) will visit the development and brief the media on the state of the development. “The exco will also pay a visit to other incomplete projects within the province. Premier Mxolisi Dukwana, Human Settlements and Cogta MEC Ketso Makume, and the HODs will interact with the media on these visits.”

One of the painted buildings of the white elephant project. Photo: Tshehla Koteli

Some of the white elephant projects mentioned by ActionSA:

• R18 million for an incomplete stadium in Vanstadensrus.

• R9.2 million for an incomplete sports ground in Springfontein.

• R15 million for an incomplete sports facility in Lindley.

• The R400 million white elephant taxi rank in Bloemfontein has remained non-operational for more than a decade now, since its completion in 2011.

• R252 million was allocated for Parys Correctional Facility but it remains unfinished.

OFM News/Tshehla Koteli