This is according to Police, Roads and Transport MEC, Sam Mashinini. Tabling his department’s 2020/21 adjustment budget earlier on Wednesday, Mashinini said “crime continues to rise its ugly head” in the province and assured the public these criminal activities are amongst those receiving his attention. 

Coupled with concerns over crime, Mashinini confirmed road infrastructure development is another cause of concern. During a virtual Legislature sitting, he told the House the bulk of his department’s R2.685 billion will go towards road infrastructure investments and community policing. R10 million will go towards revenue enhancement projects such as upgrading of testing stations, while R13 million will be used towards appointment of 30 traffic officials across the province.

Mashinini outlined that the Provincial Road Maintenance Grant amounts to R1.228 billion, and that the conditional grant will be utilised to improve the road conditions in the Free State.

“The Public Transport Operations Grant has increased by 6.7% to R297 million. The revenue target for the 2020/21 financial year was increased from R812 million to R823 million while R706 million from the target set for 2019/20 financial year has been collected”.

Mashinini during his budget speech further sent a warning against corruption and said his department will not hesitate taking action against police and traffic officials not adhering to the law. He further sent a warning to public transport operators operating without licences.

“We cannot be content while there’s growing incidents of corruption within both the public and private sector environments, which undermine the rule of law and impede government’s efforts to achieve its socio-economic development and service delivery objectives” he said.

OFM News