The National Treasury further reported that though the mentioned challenges were due to supply chain management regulations; these regulations were necessary. The National Treasury explained that in order to safe-guard the use of public funds, supply chain regulations demanded that proper processes and planning were adhered to. However, it was clear that provinces could manage these processes in a more efficient manner. The National Treasury submitted that reports highlighted delays in the supply chain management processes in Eastern Cape, Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West; and much of the shortfalls involved infrastructure upgrades and new buildings.