Minister Sihle Zikalala has taken significant action to improve the public works and infrastructure sector by addressing unfinished projects in the Free State Province. On June 8, 2023, the Minister conducted inspections of various stalled projects to drive accountability and enhance service delivery.
Inspection of Unfinished Projects
Minister Zikalala visited the Parys correctional facility and the Park Road police stations, both of which have been allocated significant funds but remain incomplete. The delay in the construction of these facilities negatively impacts the national priority of creating safer communities and combating crime.
Accompanying Members and Media Coverage
The Minister was accompanied by Ms. Dibolelo Mance, the MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure in the Free State, during the inspections. The media was invited to cover the event and receive updates on the progress of the projects.
Evaluation of Parys Correctional Facility
The Parys correctional facility, which was allocated a budget of R252 million, remains incomplete despite a substantial portion of the funds being spent. Minister Zikalala inspected the facility to evaluate the current state of the project and address the issues preventing its completion.
Park Road Police Station Delay
In the afternoon, the Minister visited the SAPS Park Road Police Station in Bloemfontein, which has been experiencing construction delays, leading to inflated costs while the infrastructure remains incomplete. This police station is among the top 30 stations in the country with the highest crime rate. By addressing the delays in the construction of this station, the Minister hopes to bolster the fight against crime and improve the safety of the surrounding community.
Government’s Determination to Enhance Service Delivery
The government’s determination to enhance service delivery and improve the lives of South African citizens is apparent through these inspections and the Minister’s commitment to unblocking stalled projects. By ensuring the completion of these essential facilities, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure aims to contribute to the nation’s priorities of creating safer communities and effectively combatting crime.
Minister Zikalala’s initiative to address the challenges of unfinished infrastructure projects in the Free State Province highlights the government’s proactive steps to improve the public works and infrastructure sector. By fostering accountability and addressing the issues causing these delays, the Minister and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure hope to accelerate the completion of these critical projects and improve the lives of South African citizens.
