Question NW351 to the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
07 March 2023 - NW351
Siwisa, Ms AM to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(a) What are the reasons (i) for the very poor conditions of the accommodation at the parliamentary villages and (ii) that the curtains are torn and facilities such as the swimming pool, tennis courts and playgrounds are in a state of dilapidation and (b) by what date will the poor conditions of the villages be addressed?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
a)(i) I have been informed that the Department appointed a new Facilities Management service provider on the 08 March 2022 who has commenced with the scheduled and corrective maintenance at the Parliamentary Villages. This includes the residences, grounds and facilities such as the swimming pool and tennis courts.
(i) The curtains at the residences within the Parliamentary Villages are satisfactory, however, the voile curtains are in poor condition because of the lifespan of voile material, which is approximately three (3) years, maximum; depending on the handling as well as weather conditions. Voile is not as durable as standard lined curtains. It fades and becomes fragile because of the direct sun and is not resistant to stains such as mould.
b) For the residences, particularly the brick residences, occupied by Members of Parliament, there is currently a project underway, which commenced in 2020. Acacia Park is completed, Laboria Park residences are currently being refurbished and Pelican Park residences will be next. The completion date for the said project is in December 2023. In addition, due to the condition of the prefabricated residences in Acacia Park, the Department has registered a project to demolish all prefabricated residences and rebuild brick residences. The estimated financial tender date for the said project is 24 November 2023, as the approval to allocate the project to an implementing agent is awaited.
- With respect to the curtains, the Department is currently conducting moveable asset condition assessments at all residences in the Parliamentary Villages, in preparation for window treatments tenders and rehabilitation or replacement of furniture where necessary.
- The grounds and facilities are currently being attended to by the Facilities Management service provider.