Mpumalanga co-operative governance and traditional affairs MEC Simon Skhosana on Thursday quashed claims that payments were made for repairs and reconstruction of non-existent bridges in the Ehlanzeni district.
Skhosana confirmed that all 19 bridges reported to have been damaged and repaired after last year's heavy flooding were intact.
"It is unfortunate that some individuals have decided to tarnish the good work that was done by government to restore the livelihood of the communities that were cut off by spreading misinformation.
"They have instead chosen to grandstand and play for the gallery on a matter that affects the lives of our people," Skhosana said in a statement.
He was responding to claims made by a representative of the Congress of the People (Cope) who said there were suspicions in reports surrounding the project.
Cope called on Public Protector Thuli Madonsela to probe the matter. Madonsela's office confirmed it had started investigations.
Skhosana welcomed the probe, and invited concerned parties to join him in visiting the bridges in question.
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