This, as opposition parties in the Free State Provincial Legislature highlight how the Human Settlements Department is shrouded by a dark cloud involving the project. 

The Freedom Front Plus’ Devar Smit on Tuesday told members of the House that the department continuously fails to prioritise residents or carry out its mandate. Debating the departments’ R1.2 billion budget for the 2021/22 financial year, Smith and the EFF’s Mahlomola Majeke said more needs to be done to address housing issues experienced in the province and deal with those implicated in acts of corruption.

Smith’s statements over the failed R255 asbestos project comes amidst growing concerns over the involvement of the former Premier and the now ANC Secretary-General, Ace Magashule, in the project, with some calling for him to step down from his position pending investigations.

OFM News has previously reported that the department has been found guilty by the Public Protector, of failing to follow proper procurement procedures in the awarding of this housing contract.

Public Protector, Busisiwe Mkhwebane, in her report said the provincial department participated in an expired contract of the Gauteng Human Settlements Department, and failed to conduct a due diligence investigation before participating in this contract. She said the province was in possession of the Gauteng Department's Service Legal Agreement, which had expired, and went ahead to pay the service provider, despite the Auditor-General having declared the procurement as irregular as early as 31 July 2015.

The contract for service providers - Blackhead Consulting and Diamond Hill Trading joint-venture - to identify and remove asbestos roofs in the province has since the 2014/15 financial year drawn much controversy, with millions paid by the department unaccounted for.

Meanwhile, the case against Magashule and co-accused is expected to resume on 11 August for a pre-trial at the Free State High Court.

OFM News