The acknowledgement by the Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, that Gauteng’s infrastructure is collapsing and that it is detrimental to economic growth in the province is significant.
Lesufi attributed the collapse of infrastructure to inadequate maintenance and sabotage by syndicates.
He referred to a list of 450 syndicates looting infrastructure, adding that it would be impossible to replace every broken traffic light before these syndicates have been apprehended.
He also made specific mention of scrap yard owners who are the biggest culprits behind the destruction of infrastructure.
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) asked Lesufi during a recent question-and-answer session in the Gauteng Legislature how the province plans to handle the growing influx of illegal immigrants and migration into the province, and whether there is a plan of action.
The Premier confirmed that there are about 20 million people, including illegal immigrants, residing in Gauteng; and that 479 000 people left the province between 2011 and 2016 while 1,4 million came into the province.
Between 2016 and 2021, 548 000 people left the province and 1,5 million settled in the Gauteng.
Lesufi was adamant that Gauteng is a place for everyone who wants to reside there and that the province should provide everyone with services.
The Freedom Front Plus was unequivocal about the fact that the Gauteng economy will not recover if the current government remains in power.
At the moment, there is a serious shortage of schools and hospitals are crumbling.
Residents often have no water or power supply for days, or even weeks, on end, and the Premier cannot explain how he plans to house the province’s growing population or stimulate economic growth.
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