This is as Free State political parties are set to hear premier Mxolisi Dukwana's response to their State of the Province (Sopa) debate. 

FF Plus’ provincial leader, Armand Cloete, said they expect the premier to give answers to the questions that were raised about the state of roads. “The FF Plus would like to know whether the R2 billion that he announced for the state of roads is provincial money being spent on our roads, or national money,” he added.

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Another thing that the FF Plus expects to be addressed by Dukwana this afternoon is the state of municipalities. “Local government is a mess, especially with councils that have become circuses,” he explained. 

During his debate, Cloete zoomed in on the water issue in the province. He said Riebeeckstad has not had water for at least six weeks. “I heard what you said that you and the mayor are aware of the issue of workers wanting more overtime, being the problem. But premier, if you and Mayor Kalipa are aware of sabotage (because that is what it is), what actions have you taken? Was this reported to the authorities?”

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The R2 billion in question, which was announced by Dukwana, will be spent on upgrading and maintaining the roads. He said it is imperative that the way and means by which road service delivery happens, be changed. “International best practices have shown that road construction can happen in a more efficient and effective manner. Therefore, the provincial government will be exploring the implementation of solutions such as 24-hour road construction,” said Dukwana. 

During his Sopa, he further stated that attention must be given to expediting the maintenance and construction backlog of the roads that form the backbone of the logistics industry and support economic activity, such as the roads in the Ficksburg and Bothaville areas.

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