This, as political parties - including the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and Democratic Alliance (DA) - continue to criticise Premier Sisi Ntombela on her perceived failures ahead of the State of the Province Address (SOPA) on Tuesday.

EFF provincial deputy chairperson, Matlhomalo Majake, says despite the provincial government spending over R100 million on the aforementioned heritage site, nothing has happened.

Majake adds to date beneficiaries of the Estina project have not been recognised, with millions of rands alleged to have been looted during the tenure of former Premier Ace Magashule.

Meanwhile, the DA Provincial Legislature leader, Roy Jankielsohn, says Ntombela, during her address, will be under pressure to address issues affecting the total collapse of local government.

"Our residents are unable to get the most basic services, which include water. It is not just a basic service but also a human right and because of the poor service at the municipal level our people have become poor. This is because of the economic decline with less access to the basic constitutional rights, which include access to water, electricity, and housing," he adds.

Both the EFF and DA says they hope Ntombela will address the deteriorating state of roads in the Free State, which they say has the potential to deter potential investors.

They have also challenged her to touch on the state of corruption, unemployment and poverty in the province.

OFM News previously reported that interim findings of a special audit by the Office of the Auditor-General (AG) on one of the Free State’s controversial projects - the Old Ramkraal Prison - indicates that a total of R107 million is unaccounted for.

This historic site was allocated R120 million eight years ago for refurbishments by the provincial government to house the Free State Legislature, but to date, the project stands dilapidated with millions unaccounted for.

OFM News