South Africa: The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) organized a week-long infrastructure oversight programme. The programme was implemented in the Free State, under the theme: Confronting the Challenges Facing the Timely Delivery of Viable Infrastructure to Communities.”
The administration has shared that they are dedicated to ensuring the wellbeing of the people of the community. The Premier of Free State and her team have announced that they are visiting several offices and institutions within the province.
The aim of this visit is to conduct an in-depth assessment and evaluation of the infrastructure projects. The administration said that they have visited some of the incomplete and delayed projects to find the reasons for these delays.
Mapule Dlamini, a permanent delegate to the NCOP and provincial Whip for the Free State presided over the Tuesday session of the oversight programme. During her visit to overseeing the infrastructure projects.
She talked about the mandate of the National Council of Provinces in supporting the programme. She said that the NCOP project ensuring that the interests of all the provinces are represented at the national level. She also said that it is important for the provinces to be equally involved in decision-making processes.
The NCOP delegate believes that it will help in fostering cooperation between the legislatures and Parliament.
“The NCOP represents the voice and the eyes of the people in Parliament and serves as a link to the Legislatures.” Said Dlamini
Key projects to be reviewed during the visit include:
– Silver and Dark City Projects: Delayed for 7 years.
– Leboneng School Hostel Project: 95% complete but delayed for 3 years.
– Thandanani Clinic Project in Welkom.
– Kopano Complex Site Plan in Welkom.
– Tweespruit to Excelsior Road Construction Project in Mangaung.
The Auditor-General’s Report highlighted both the shortcomings of the province and improvements across provincial and local government spheres. They highlighted that some corrective actions have already been taken in this regard.
Premier Maquen Letsoha-Mathae also addressed the NCOP delegation during the execution of this project. She said that infrastructure is a catalyst for development, aligning with both the National and the Free State Development Plans. She has asked for continuous investment in infrastructure to drive progress.
“Our ability to respond to our challenges and seize opportunities,” she said, “depends on our capability to implement infrastructure projects.”
Premier Letsoha-Mathae also acknowledged that success requires making tough choices, taking decisive action, and crafting credible plans. This involves supporting the institutions and operations essential for the successful implementation of infrastructure projects.
“Work is in progress to develop a solid infrastructure project pipeline. Our focused attention is now on project preparation, planning, coordination, implementation, and monitoring,” concluded the Premier.