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Estimates of the Provincial Revenue and Expenditure (EPRE) - 2025/26 Financial YearWith regards to the provision of quality infrastructure to improve economic growth, the department acknowledges the prevailing constraints posed by the infrastructure backlog, largely attributable to climate change and insufficient funding, the Department remains committed to its strategic approach of prioritising preventative maintenance and streamlining capital projects. To enhance the sustainability of the provincial road network, the Department is still in engagements with Research and Development Institutions to forge strategic partnerships and collaboration. These collaborations will facilitate research into alternative technologies, ensuring the provincial road network remains trafficable and resilient in the face of climate change. Progress has been made in implementing the department's strategic approach to infrastructure development. Notably, the detailed design for the Stutterheim to Keiskammahoek project (MR00700) is progressing satisfactorily, with the preliminary design phase now complete. It is anticipated that the detailed design will be finalised within 2024/25. Furthermore, in response to SANRAL's intention to assume ownership of the Stutterheim to Tsomo Phase 1 project (MR0701), the Department has expediently reprioritised its design review process. Consequently, focus has shifted to the Design of Internal Ugie Streets project, which falls within the province's jurisdiction. This project is advancing well, with completion of the detailed design expected by the end of the financial year. The Department has continued to collaborate with the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (NDPWI) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to advance the Welisizwe Bridge Programme. This partnership has facilitated the construction of Bailey-type bridges, with a total of 19 bridges slated for completion during 2024/25. As of now, the overall completion rate stands at 92 per cent. Notably, 12 bridges have been practically completed, 8 from the OR Tambo District namely Sunrise, Ntlenga, Mdlakala, Mkhatha, Zixambuzi, Mbotyi, Dedeni, Rhebu; 3 from the Alfred Nzo District, namely Dambeni, Mfundisweni and Cwaka and one from the Amathole District, Mqothwane Bridge. These bridges are pending certification from engineers. One bridge, Ntsintsinyane from the Alfred Nzo District is between 91 per cent and 99 per cent completion with the process of rehabilitation and completion of the approach road outstanding. Five bridges, Tebetebe in the Alfred Nzo District, Mdwaka and Folokwe in the Amathole District; and Mnqezo Gap 1 and Mnqezo Gap 2 in the OR Tambo District with completion progress between 40 per cent to 79 per cent, wherein bridges have not been boomed. One bridge in the OR Tambo District, the Mneno Bridge was completed but was however washed away by floods. The Department is awaiting an assessment report from NDPWI, which will determine the actions that require to be taken on the bridge. The implementation of the additional 17 bridges has been delayed due to various challenges. These challenges include delayed material delivery, payment issues for EPWP participants and slow plant availability. Despite these setbacks, preparations for the additional bridges are underway. The list of bridges has been signed off and social facilitation has been completed with the affected local municipalities. The SANDF has also been deployed to 6 of the 17 bridge sites. Notable progress has been achieved in the department's ongoing efforts to maintain and upgrade the provincial road network, with significant strides made in the reseal and rehabilitation programme. Specifically, the Humansdorp to Hankey project has reached 15.3 per cent completion, equivalent to 23 400 square meters of rehabilitation work, while the DR08019 N2 to Ntabankulu project has commenced main roadworks, achieving 13 per cent overall completion. Furthermore, the MR00664 N6 to Molteno project has reached 9.1 per cent completion, with 4 900 square meters of rehabilitation work achieved, demonstrating encouraging progress in these key projects. Key highlights from the multi-year infrastructure projects reveal varying degrees of progress. The R72 to Hamburg project is nearing completion, with 98 per cent of the road stretch finished, leaving only the construction of a structure to be completed. In contrast, the Coffee Bay to Zithulele project has faced significant delays due to community disputes, resulting in an overall progress of 70 per cent against the targeted 2km for the financial year. A review of additional projects shows that the Cofimvaba to Askeaton project has achieved 70 per cent progress, with 2.5km of road planned for construction. The Canzibe Hospital project has made progress, with 62 per cent of the planned 657