FREE STATE NCOP DELEGATES KICKSTART PROVINCIAL WEEK PROGRAMME

Photo: FS National Council of Provinces

Supplied

By: Neo Ntsele

The Free State’s permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) officially kickstarted the Provincial Week on Tuesday 17, at the Fourth Raadsaal in Bloemfontein.

In a meeting with the Free State Legislature, the NCOP delegation was briefed on abandoned and delayed projects in the province.

The briefing aimed to provide insight into the current situation in the province and focused on oversight, with plans to seek answers from stakeholders such as government departments and municipalities.

The Speaker of the Free State Legislature, Mxolisi Dukwana, welcomed the delegates and said he hoped that the visit would not only deal with challenges but help find solutions.

Free State premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, outlined the province’s plans to address infrastructure problems.

These include exploring support institutions, the district development model, and public-private funding to reduce wastage and delays in projects for the development of the people.

Noting the significance of the provincial week, leader of the Free State delegation, Mapule Dhlamini highlighted the critical role of the NCOP as the voice and representative of provinces in the national sphere of government.

She said that the NCOP ensures a strong link between provincial legislatures and Parliament.

Dhlamini also stressed the importance of collaboration between all role-players.

The Office of the Auditor-General (AG) informed delegates that Mangaung Metro, Maluti-A-Phofung, Matjhabeng, and Metsimaholo local municipalities did not meet their targets for infrastructure development, especially in areas such as water, sanitation, and electricity.

According to the AG’s Office, the main reasons for municipalities’ underperformance were insufficient budgets, misalignment between budget allocation and target achievement, and prioritising operational expenses over capital investments.

Additionally, poor project planning, execution, and monitoring, as well as ageing and deteriorating infrastructure, were identified as contributing factors.

The delegates also received presentations from the Free State’s MECs for Public Works and Infrastructure, COGTA and Human Settlements, Community Safety, Roads and Transport, Education, and Health.

The executive mayors of Mangaung Metro Municipality and Matjhabeng Local Municipality also gave presentations.

The presentations focused on project plans, budgets, and the current status of these projects, highlighting common issues such as vandalism, illegal connections to water and electricity, illegal occupation of buildings or structures, and the delay and abandonment of projects without penalties to contractors.

On Wednesday 18, the delegation visited the Odendaalsrus police station and conducted construction site visits in Welkom, including the Leboneng Special School hostel and Thandanani Clinic.