Madam Deputy Speaker, we must be reminded that we are operating in global economic turmoil and be mindful that the deficit is part of the effect of the economic downturn. Despite the infrastructure programme that the President has outlined in the state of the nation address, which intends to push the economy, the MF emphasises the need for a comprehensive plan from government that takes into account the lessons learnt during the economic recession.
I wonder how government will ensure that this R5,75 billion bail-out of Sanral is the first and the last so that we can move on and focus on how to address our deficit. The Minister of Finance tabled austerity programme measures for government, addressing the issues of economic recession and urging departments to find savings in their programmes. What has the Minister done to ensure austerity programme measures improved and what lessons were learnt so that we do not experience this situation again in the future?
The MF notes that public participation consultation is still a challenge when it comes to these kinds of projects. This must be one of the projects that government must learn from and ensure that we do not continue to bail out and compromise the projects we are already financing, which undoubtedly will have a negative effect on service delivery. The Minority Front will support the Bill.