COGTA MEC Mxolisi Dukwana, during his 2022/23 budget speech, gave the assurance that asbestos eradication will be done in due course.

Several people, including former premier Ace Magashule, are currently facing varying charges ranging from fraud, corruption to money laundering in the Free State High Court over the alleged looting of R255 million in a failed 2014 asbestos removal project.

Departmental spokesperson Sello Dithebe tells OFM News a total of R20 million has been set aside to deal with the controversial project.

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“70 units have been identified. Some will have decayed over time. So, the structural integrity will therefore inevitably be affected. This could mean that the entire structure must be demolished in order for a new one to be put in its place,” says Dithebe.

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Dukwana also stated that service delivery in the province was hamstrung by acts of corruption. He said that this was demonstrated at the State Capture Commission (SCC).

Meanwhile, Dithebe adds there are also efforts to turn abandoned, dilapidated buildings owned by persons in the private sector or government into affordable accommodations. This arose from efforts by the Minister of Human Settlements - working hand in hand with Dukwana and MEC’s from other provinces - to ensure people are brought closer to places where they are not far from work and are able to take advantage of the bulk infrastructure such as water and Sanitation.

OFM News