As part of the Provincial Week programme of the National Council of Provinces, the Gauteng delegates visited the Bakerton Library project. A construction site which has been standing dormant for several months.
The NCOP has chosen the theme of Confronting the Challenges Facing the Timely Delivery of Viable Public Infrastructure to Communities. In an effort to establish what the Legislative, Regulatory or procedural hindrances are to the timely completion of infrastructure projects.
In spite of an established programme which has been well communicated, the MEC responsible for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation (SARC) in Gauteng, Matome Chiloane was a no-show at the site.
Organisers indicated that they had been struggling to find anyone from the Provincial Department to take responsibility and give explanations to the visiting Members of Parliament.
The stalled project has a direct impact on the local community and the 4 schools in the area. Budgetary issues have been cited as the root cause of the delay, in spite of the fact that this multi-year project has been approved within the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework.
The dismissive behaviour is a clear indicator of the lack of accountability in the Gauteng Provincial Executive, the Democratic Alliance therefore calls on Premier Lesufi to bring his Executive Committee into line.