Tabling the 2021/22 budget in the Provincial Legislature, Makatong acknowledged that the state of roads in the province is appalling and continues to have a negative impact on the economy. 

She said floods experienced at the beginning of the year made the situation worse. Mafakong confirmed her department is on a “re-modelling process” to ensure vacancies requiring critical skills in infrastructure development, are filled. She said the department will during this financial year also ensure that those implicated in projects that have been left incomplete, or any other corrupt activity, are held accountable. She highlighted the state of roads in the province is a cause of concern and that several roads in the capital city of Kimberley and other areas will be upgraded this year.

“The project will spend R4.3 billion over the MTEF period for road infrastructure development, of which R1.5 billion is for this financial year,” she said.

Makatong have committed to ensure that the department intensifies efforts to ensure that infrastructure projects under the Health and Education Departments also reach completion.

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