South African lawmakers demanded contractor blacklisting after discovering abandoned water infrastructure valued at R42 million in Free State's Nketoana Local Municipality. National Council of Provinces chair Bheki Radebe called for fund recovery and permanent bans following the collapse of two regional projects: a 3ML reservoir construction in Petrus Steyn and pump station upgrades in Reitz. Both contractors cited financial difficulties before withdrawing.
The oversight inspections ran through late November as part of Provincial Week 2025, which examined stalled developments across multiple regions. Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson announced forthcoming contractor qualification programs and provincial restriction committees to prevent future failures. Legal proceedings have begun to reclaim taxpayer funds lost through the incomplete schemes.
The oversight inspections ran through late November as part of Provincial Week 2025, which examined stalled developments across multiple regions. Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson announced forthcoming contractor qualification programs and provincial restriction committees to prevent future failures. Legal proceedings have begun to reclaim taxpayer funds lost through the incomplete schemes.
