R3.7 billion budget aims to rebuild roads and improve safety in Free State

Show Voice Options While delivering his budget speech on Tuesday (17/6), Community Safety, Roads, and Transport MEC Jabu Mbalula added that his department also wants to bring back safety and dignity to communities. The department prioritises road infrastructure upgrades, safer public transport, and youth employment, while guaranteeing a strong response to gender-based violence and rural crime. A total of 3,500 job opportunities will be created through the department’s infrastructure projects, with a strong focus on empowering women, youth, and people with disabilities. “The Free State government is investing across all five districts to maintain and improve roads, boosting mobility, local economies, and road safety,” said Mbalula. A budget of R1.4 billion is dedicated to special maintenance projects, ensuring that critical road assets do not deteriorate further. “Increased freight movement has put a strain on our surfaced road network, and targeted interventions will prevent premature road failures.” The DA raised concerns about the province’s road infrastructure and has urged the Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport to properly utilise the R3.7 billion budget allocation.