Question NW1566 to the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
05 July 2023 - NW1566
Hicklin, Ms MB to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1)Whether, with regard to the proliferation of moles in the parliamentary villages that has reached seriously problematic proportions and the current horticultural staff employed by TEFLA seem totally out of their depth in terms of eradicating the pests in any humane way, with the gardens being completely overrun by these pests (details furnished), TEFLA has a comprehensive horticultural staff complement able to deal with the pest control issues raised or do they have to outsource the issues to consultants; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what total number of horticultural staff are employed to maintain the gardens in (a) Acacia Park, (b) Laboria Park and (c) Pelican Park; (2) what total number of contracts exist with outside consultants for horticultural services such as pest eradication; (3) whether TEFLA is responsible for the costs and/or have additional costs been raised which have to be covered by his department; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what is the scope of the horticultural contract signed with TEFLA in terms of garden maintenance throughout the Parks? NW1809E
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1) The horticultural staff complement of TEFLA is herein below mention, however TEFLA has outsourced the pest control to a company called Choice Pest Control. Herein below is total number of horticultural staff employed to maintain gardens throughout the Parks are as follows:
(a) Acacia Park – 66
(b) Laboria Park - 8
(c) Pelican Park - 9
(2) Only pest control has been outsourced to a subcontractor, Choice Pest Control. All other horticultural services are provided by TEFLA directly through their internal staff.
(3) All horticultural work was part of the project scope and no additional costs are incurred by the Department in carrying out this work. The horticultural scope is attached.