South Africa: The Premier of Free State, Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae visited the QwaQwa community to inform residents about the road projects that are currently in progress within the community. The Premier has also warned ward councillors and Community Liaison Officers not to interfere with the recruitment process for road projects in QwaQwa.
The Premier has confirmed that the administration of the province have taken up several new road projects. The projects which should start within the near future. The administration understands that the communities are eagerly anticipating many of these projects.
As such, the Premier was discouraged to receive the reports of interference in regards to recruitment. She cautioned against this practice at the Phuthaditjhaba multi-purpose centre on Tuesday, 08 October 2024.
Premier Letsoha – Mathae was accompanied by MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport Jabu Mbalula, the Executive Mayor of Maluti – a – Phofung local municipality Malekula Melato as well as Thabo Mofutsanyana District Mayor, Connie Msibi.
Addressing residents, Premier Letsoha – Mathae said she had been inundated with calls from concerned residents expressing dissatisfaction about the behaviour of some individuals at the municipality.
“The recruitment process for these roads projects was done in an open and transparent manner. It was rather disturbing to receive phone calls from our people this side suggesting that there are people who want to change the process to suite their selfish needs. I want to make it clear that, that will not be allowed!
I was disappointed to learn that community liaison officers and some ward councillors attempted to interfere with that process,” said Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae.
The Premier said that Lawlessness will not be allowed. “The community of QwaQwa must benefit, therefore, we are not going to allow people to muscle in on these projects. the so-called construction mafia will not be allowed to disrupt us,” said the Premier.
A combined 44,7 kilometres of roads in QwaQwa will undergo rehabilitation and 44 local sub-contractors will benefit from the projects. The project will begin on the first of November 2024.