Question NW1290 to the Minister of Communications
06 June 2016 - NW1290
Bergman, Mr D to ask the Minister of Communications
(a) What is the reason for the lack of funding for the dual illumination period and (b) how will this process now be funded?
Reply:
(a) Government has made available part of the funding for dual illumination through the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services (DTPS) allocation of R100m (R87.7m net of VAT) out of the R140m net of VAT required per annum. There are attempts to engage National Treasury through the DTPS and DoC to see if Sentech can reallocate some funds towards digital migration to cover dual illumination costs.
(b) The decision not to allocate the funding for DTT Dual Illumination expenditure was taken within the constraints of the National Budget and continuous discussions with all relevant stakeholders including Cabinet and the National Treasury will be pursued to find a sustainable solution to the shortfall. The Digital Migration project is critical for the country and Dual Illumination is an essential part of this process.
MR NN MUNZHELELE
DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE: