Note to editors: Please find attached English and Sesotho soundbites by Jafta Makoena MPL.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) conducted an oversight visit at the Free State Lengau Testing and Traffic Centre in Bloemfontein and found buildings need serious attention. The conditions at the centre were unacceptable, and we call on the provincial government to urgently address the issues raised during the oversight visit. Please see pictures here, here and here.
The DA was informed that the Department of Labour has given the Department of Public Works 60 days to fix the building. If the Department of Public Works fails to repair the building within the given time frame, it may face penalties or consequences. It is crucial for them to take immediate action to ensure the safety of the workers and prevent any further damage to the building.
We discovered that lights were not working in some passages, leaving them in the dark. The electric wires are suspended, and sellotape is used to secure them to the walls. Services are slow due to a poor network connection and a small number of computers in use. Because of the staff shortage, security personnel manage the queues. Residents with disabilities face discrimination because they are unable to communicate with the cashier as the area is not accessible to them.
The DA will raise these issues in the Portfolio Committee to ensure that the Department adheres to the time frame given by the Department of Labour since failure to comply will lead to the closure of the centre. Additionally, we will raise the issue of staffing in all departments during the budget debate
The DA will continue to hold the ANC-run provincial government accountable. The situation regarding services at all provincial government departments will only change when the voters in the Free State vote for a party with a proven track record of improving services to all residents.