By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Parliament says the reconstruction process of fire-damaged Parliament buildings will be completed within 24 months after it was gutted by fire.
Secretary to Parliament, Xolile George, announced this during a media briefing on Tuesday to communicate details of the reconstruction process of the sections of the buildings of Parliament damaged by the fire.
George said the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), through its Infrastructure Delivery Division, was appointed as the project lead to oversee the reconstruction of
“Given the extensive nature of the damage it was envisaged that anywhere between 24 and 48 months to do this work.
“But we are pleased that in our discussion with the DBSA and taken into account their own technical capability, they’ve given us assurance that the project can be executed within 24 months.”
While Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana allocated R2 billion for the rebuilding of Parliament during the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement in October last year, George said the figure could increase depending on the unforeseen costs of the project.
“What we are confirming is the allocated budget to be able to undertake this project. It is our task to make sure that everything is done within that budget,” he said.
George said the restoration project was also an opportunity to increase the institution’s capacity to accommodate members of the public into the public gallery and improve parliament’s digital infrastructure.
“It is, therefore, envisaged that, through this project, South Africa will have a new chamber that fully serves the imperatives of our constitutional democracy, which includes sufficient capacity for joint sittings of the two Houses, a larger public gallery to accommodate members of the public in line with Parliament’s constitutional obligations of public involvement, more office spaces for MPs and committee rooms.”
George also confirmed that Parliament’s internal investigation into the fire, especially related to security measures, was ongoing.
“That is part of the internal work of Parliament to look into breaches, if any, what are the vulnerabilities and where we can improve on our current state of security management so that we are in position to put preventative measures.”
Alleged Parliament arsonist Zandile Mafe was arrested on 2 January 2022, for allegedly starting the fire.
Mafe has been in custody since his arrest and faces charges of housebreaking with intent to commit arson, arson, terrorism and theft.