The Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae has taken a decisive move in dealing with contractors who have abandoned government projects, particularly those involving critical health facilities in the province.

During her inaugural Opening of the Legislature address attended by more than 600 people at the Bloemfontein City Hall on Thursday (8/8), Letsoha-Mathae emphasised her commitment to tackling corruption and mismanagement of funds in the province. She vowed to take rigorous action against contractors who have failed to deliver services despite receiving payments. She also promised to recover funds from these non-compliant service providers and to hold accountable officials who awarded certificates to contractors who did not meet the required standards. Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae delivering her address . Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi 

Letsoha-Mathae highlighted her recent visits to various healthcare facilities across the province, where she observed that many were in a bad state despite significant funds having been allocated for their refurbishment. One of the most concerning cases was the Orange Hospital, which has been placed under her direct oversight due to its urgent need for repairs and attention.

“We will not hide the fact that some individuals were given contracts to renovate our hospitals and then disappeared without completing the work,” Mathae asserted. “Fortunately, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is currently working on these cases.”

The issue of contractors abandoning projects has plagued the province for some time. This problem was recently under the microscope after former Minister of Public Works Sihle Zikala, visited the province in June last year. Zikala’s visit focused on an unfinished R232 million correctional facility in Parys, which has since become a symbol of mismanagement. He too promised action against contractors who abandon projects despite receiving government funds.

OFM News/ Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg