Tabling her department's R535 million budget for the 2020/21 financial year, Brown told members of the provincial legislature her department is going to strengthen its oversight role in the implementation of infrastructure projects in efforts to improve the economic landscape of the province.

She expressed concern over the slow progress of projects and those standing uncompleted. Her statement on infrastructures development comes just a day after OFM News reported on how opposition parties lambasted the Police, Roads and Transport Department over incomplete roads and the state of Bloemfontein’s Parkroad Police Station.

The DA's Leona Kleynhans put into question the slow progress of renovations at the police station, stating that there is not much to show for the R74 million that has been coughed up for its refurbishment.

She told members of the Legislature the DA demands answers as to why the department has switched between three contractors since the renovations started - and why the police station is to date still incomplete.

Kleynhans said this project is amongst the many infrastructure projects currently raising eyebrows in the province and that the time has come for the province to launch investigations into irregular tenders.

Meanwhile Brown, during the virtual Legislature Sitting, told the house "we will strengthen our focus on the implementation of infrastructure projects and spending thereon through collaboration with our sister Department of Public Works and Infrastructure. In 2021 we are planning to streamline our infrastructure investment and focus on fewer projects that can yield a bigger impact on service delivery and the economy of the province at large".

OFM News