Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Dulandi Leech MPL and Sesotho soundbite by David Masoeu MPL
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Free State has lodged formal complaints with the Public Protector and the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), calling for an investigation into the Free State Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport’s handling of the R83.8 million Viljoenskroon bridge and roadworks tender on the R59 and access roads A43 and A109.
The DA’s concerns centre on whether the Department followed the required procurement processes, properly evaluated competing bids and ensured that the appointed contractor met the necessary technical, financial and CIDB grading requirements. The tender required a valid grading of 8CE or 7CE(PE) or higher and did not permit pending applications.
The Department has also failed to provide clear answers regarding competing bids, evaluation scores, the adjudication report and the reasons behind its appointment decision. Furthermore, the appointment was accepted after the tender’s stated 90-day validity period, without evidence of a valid extension being provided to the DA.
The DA has also raised the matter through provincial roads and bridges oversight structures. The contract has since been cancelled, but this does not remove the need to establish whether the Department followed proper procedures and whether public funds were managed responsibly.
The DA is calling for accountability from the Department and its accounting officers. Voters deserve transparent procurement, responsible spending and infrastructure projects that deliver value for money. Any irregularities identified must be addressed to protect public funds and ensure communities receive the services and infrastructure they deserve.