Question NW94 to the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
26 February 2024 - NW94
Hicklin, Ms MB to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1)In light of the fact that, on 15 December 2023, his department’s offices in Acacia Park closed and extensive work commenced on a beautification programme for the entrance of the Acacia Park Parliamentary Village immediately after the offices closed, what are the reasons that (a) the staff at his department’s office in Acacia Park were not made aware of the project prior to their departure and (b) an independent contractor has been contracted to undertake this project; (2) whether his department is paying for the beautification project; if not, who is paying for the project; if so, what are the details of the (a) total cost involved in the project and (b) programme from which the funds are being sourced or appropriated; (3) whether he has found that this is fiscal dumping as so little has been spent on the beautification of the Village itself; if not, what is the position in each case; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1)
(a) The work that was implemented was programmed as part of the work packages that was agreed prior to the holiday session, and suitable time to implement was during December 2023 when many people were on holiday. The horticulture services form part of the preventative maintenance scope. Key areas were identified that required attention. Therefore this was not a new project but the continuation of their current services.
(b) The work was undertaken by the contracted facilities management company and not an independent contractor.
(2)
(a) The preparation of the area and groundwork was paid from the scheduled items allowed for in the corrective maintenance bill of qualities. The cost for the preparation and groundwork amounts to R136 420.00. The new plants are part of the supplemental planting that falls under preventative maintenance scope of the works. No additional remuneration is required for this item.
(b) The total facilities management contract is provided for under programme 6 of PMTE.
(3) The facilities management contract is 5 year contract, so funds are used within that period, so this cannot be classified as fiscal dumping, because the 5 year period has not yet come to an end.