GAUTENG PREMIER FORGOES INFRASTRUCTURE GRANTS

I am astonished that Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane says that she "agreed to forgo" infrastructure grants from national treasury amounting to R358 million.

This was her reply to my questions today in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.

According to Mokonyane, the provincial government did not want the money until plans were in place to spend it.

It is really disappointing that such plans are not already in place.

Last year, the provincial government underspent by R1.5 billion in total.

Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan has cut Gauteng's Infrastructure Grant by R285.7 million, and the Hospital Revitalisation Grant by R72.6 million because of previous failure to plan and spend these grants properly.

Hospitals, schools and roads desperately need repair, so people are suffering because of poor management in Gauteng.

If Western Cape can spend all available grants, why can't Gauteng?

Statement issued by Jack Bloom MPL, DA Gauteng Caucus Leader, May 24 2011

Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter