Question NW788 to the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
25 May 2020 - NW788
Graham, Ms SJ to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1) Who is responsible for the payment made to the private hotels and accommodation establishments that have been identified for use as quarantine facilities around the Republic to supplement her department’s properties; (2) whether any intermediaries such as a travel agent are being used to identify and book the specified sites; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) why is an intermediary required and (b) what are the average fees of the intermediaries; (3) whether the Government is paying the full rates for the sites; if not, what are the details of the (a) type of discount that the sites are providing and (b) suite of services that the sites are offering?
Reply:
1. The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure is responsible for the payment to be made to the private hotels and accommodation establishment that have been identified and contracted by the Department based on the requirements of National Department of Health for use as quarantine facilities. No payment has been made thus far for any facility.
2. No intermediaries are used. The Departments Supply Chain Management Logistics Section is utilised for booking the hotels. The SCM unit utilises a DPWI Master Database List to identify quarantine facilities and invite quotes.
3. Government is not paying the full rates for sites.
(a) The rates paid by government have been negotiated between National Treasury, Department of Tourism, Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) and the Industry represented by Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (FEDHASA). These rates are discounted and below the standard rate offered to government as per Star grading of the sites. Rates are per room.
aa. 1 Star R850-00 single and R1035-00 sharing (exclu VAT)
bb. 2 Star R950-00 single and R1135-00 sharing (exclu VAT)
cc. 3 Star R1050-00 single and R1235-00 sharing (exclu VAT)
dd. 4 Star R1200-00 single and R1385-00 sharing (exclu VAT)
(b) Services offered are dinner, lunch and breakfast included in the above rates.