The MEC for Human Settlement, Ketso Makume, has vowed not to surrender a cent to the National Treasury in the current financial year.
“The MEC notes and acknowledges the uproar of Free State citizens around the surrendering of about R600 million to the National Treasury. He sees the surrendering of money as a spit in the face of the poor and working-class majority of this country, particularly the Free State,” says Athenkosi Mabona of the office of the MEC.
Key factors in the budget speech Makune delivered in April include the completion of projects, the removal of asbestos roofing, the eradication of mud houses, the handover of title deeds, and the roll-out of infrastructure projects.
This year the department has, among others, appointed a contractor for 2 000 RDP houses. Professional service providers for the removal and replacement of toxic asbestos roofing have been appointed, as have contractors for the installation of water and sewer infrastructure. The Welkom G-Hostel Community Residential units (CRU) project has been revitalised.
“All of the contractors are on site, and the work continues. The spending so far stands at over 53% compared to the previous financial year when we recorded 10% during this
time of the year. The department has also applied for more
funds to cover some of the department’s fiscal demands,” says Mabona.
The MEC says he is pleased with the Department’s turnaround strategy. “Some of the old challenges still persist, and that means more must be done to completely turn things around.
“The surrendering of money to Treasury speaks against our promise of delivering houses, security, and comfort,” says Makume.
