Question NW417 to the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
18 April 2023 - NW417
Kohler-Barnard, Ms D to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
(a) Whether she has been informed that the Post Office in Chatsworth, KwaZulu-Natal is unable to provide basic services, if not, why not, if so, (a) what period has it been unable to provide services and (b) by what date will it be (i) renovated and (ii) capacitated?
Reply:
I have been advised by SAPO as follows:
a) The Chatsworth Post Office has been burgled 8 times in the last 3 weeks - with access gained via a window, roof and the front door.
There was substantial damage to the branch infrastructure including network cabling and network points. Points of Sale were also stolen. Notwithstanding the damage and operational challenges, the Post Office has remained open, however, offering limited services to customers whilst some repairs were undertaken.
b) The branch has been fully operational from 02 March 2023 and able to provide online transactions including, Postbank and card swapping transactions.
Repairs to the structural damage to the branch is dependent on the availability of funding. The replacement of stolen work stations can only take place upon finalisation of the agreement/contract with the selected service provider and is also dependent on the availability of funding.
Thank You.
PQ 417 Ms D Kohler (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies.