Three unfinished projects in the Goldfields were highlighted during a recent oversight visit to the Matjhabeng municipality.
These projects are the stalled Odendaalsrus police station (abandoned since the Covid-19 pandemic), two delayed housing projects (G-Hostel and Dark City), and the Thandanani Clinic in Thabong.
Each year, the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) delegates visit their respective provinces to conduct oversight on the state of service delivery and incomplete projects, investigating the reasons behind delays.
Despite repeated commitments, key infrastructure and service delivery projects remain unfinished, depriving residents of essential services and economic opportunities.
Since the Free State’s Parliamentary Provincial Week from 16 to 20 September 2024, none of the projects visited or presented to the NCOP delegation have been completed, with minimal progress reported to date.
“The Premier of the Free State and the responsible MECs are failing the people of this province by neglecting these crucial projects. Their inaction is not only delaying service delivery but also wasting taxpayers’ money through mismanagement and poor oversight,” says Dr Igor Scheurkogel, member of parliament for the NCOP.
The DA remains committed to ensuring that public funds are spent effectively and transparently, benefiting the people rather than being lost to inefficiency. “We will continue to conduct rigorous oversight, monitor project progress, and hold those in power accountable.
“The DA will submit formal parliamentary questions to the relevant provincial MECs and national ministers to demand clear timelines, explanations, and accountability for these persistent failures.
“The people of the Free State deserve better, and we will not allow this government’s incompetence to go unchallenged.”
