Nearly R1bn spent in 5 years to secure construction sites against mafia - WC Infastructure Dept

CAPE TOWN - Western Cape Infrastructure MEC Tertuis Simmers says close to R1 billion has been spent over the last five years in an attempt to secure construction sites being targeted by extortionists.

Extortionists have targetted several Western Cape Government construction sites worth nearly R400 million.

This was revealed by the Infrastructure Department in reply to a Parliamentary question from the Democratic Alliance (DA).

Simmers said the projects, mostly housing and schooling projects, have been delayed by as much as three years, as a result.

"We have the Airport Infills which is your Luyolo, Tambo Village...those areas, we have Driftsands. We also have a few school projects, Valpark Primary School, Ravensmead CDC replacement, Clarke Primary School and then we have also seen attempts at invasion in our Penhill and Ithemba projects so these are all major projects in the City Bowl."

Simmers said the worst acts of violence had been experienced at the Aiport Infills projects.