The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) insists that the Free State Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) provide a comprehensive report on the widespread delays in infrastructure projects across municipalities.
The Minister of COGTA, Velenkosi Hlabisa, explicitly warned the Free State MEC, Saki Makoena, in writing that municipalities in the province are dragging their feet in using Municipal Infrastructure Grants and, therefore, risk forfeiting critical funds.
This confirms the Freedom Front Plus’s view that ANC-led municipalities in the Free State are simply incapable of planning, managing and completing essential infrastructure projects on time.
In fact, it is no secret that many municipalities lack the expertise needed to execute these projects. In addition, the ANC’s race-based policies such as Affirmative Action and Black Economic Empowerment further hamper projects by shifting the focus from competence to quotas, with disastrous consequences for service delivery.
Municipalities where municipal infrastructure projects are severely delayed include: Letsemeng (only 25% complete), Mohokare (11%), Masilonyana (15,5%), Tokologo (3%), Tswelopele (14%), Dihlabeng (15,6%), Nketoana (8,3%), Maluti-a-Phofung (7,8%), Mantsopa (13,6%) and Mafube (1,8%).
There are as many as 13 vacant senior management positions – including municipal managers, chief financial officers and technical managers – further paralysing projects.
The time has come for officials and politicians who keep failing to complete infrastructure projects to be held accountable and, ultimately, dismissed. It would be a disgrace if municipalities forfeit infrastructure funds simply because officials are not doing their jobs.
Die enigste manier om infrastruktuur in die Vrystaat te beskerm en te bou, is om ‘n bevoegde regering aan te stel en die ANC uit die regering te hou.
