Question NW526 to the Minister of Environmental Affairs
24 March 2017 - NW526
Steenkamp, Ms J to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
(1)What are the full relevant reasons for the high cost increase of (a) computer services, (b) consultants, (c) travel and (d) venue hire from R100 million in the 2016-17 financial year to R184 million in her Department’s budget for the 2017-18 financial year; (2) whether (a) she or (b) her Department considered any other more cost-effective options in each case; if so, what are the relevant details; and (3) why does her Department rely heavily on the services of consultants, rather than employing permanent experts?
Reply:
1. (a), (b), (c) and (d)
High Cost Increase
|
2016/17 R’000 |
2017/18 R’000 |
Reason for Increased allocation |
||
|
A |
Computer Services |
29 447 |
67 010 |
The allocation for computer services were corrected over the Medium Term Expenditure Framework as the allocation for the 2016/17 financial year was too low (R29.447m). 2015/16 financial year audited figure was at R75.549m. Therefore the increased allocation is expected to cover the cost for data lines, servers for the main offices in Pretoria and Cape Town and Regional Offices for the Expanded Public Works Projects projects, as well as enforcement at the OR Thambo. |
|
B |
Consultants |
215 311 |
207 521 |
The services under consultants include Communication, Research and Project Management consultants in the specialised fields of Oceans and Research, Biodiversity and Conservation, Climate Change and Air Quality, Strategic Infrastructure Projects, Internal Auditors. National Treasury implemented reduction in compensation of employee’s allocations, resulting in not filling posts that are becoming vacant. The additional allocation received with regards to the Waste Tyre projects was also allocated under this line. |
|
C |
Travel |
155 145 |
154 700 |
The travel allocation were cut from 2016/17 due to the implementation of cost containment measures. Travel include domestic travel to cover inspections in compliance, enforcement, and 750 Expanded Public Works Projects. They also include foreign travel to attend environmental, heritage, climate change, biodiversity and protected areas forums and platforms. |
|
D |
Venue |
33 575 |
44 965 |
Venues and facilities allocation was corrected to cover the cost for venues to host the World Oceans Day, World Wetlands Day, Environmental month, Waste Khoro, Waste Phakisa Labs, National Parks Congress, as well as Oceans Economy Labs. |
2. (a) and (b)
Cost-effective options
Cost containment measures were considered in line with National Treasury cost containment instruction received.
3. Why rely on the services of Consultants
The expertise and capacity does not exist in-house to undertake some of the complex work done in the Department. The Department attempted to attract and retain these type of expertise in the past, but failed due to lower salaries paid to civil servants. Such services under consultants include Research and Project Management consultants in the specialised fields of Oceans and Research, Biodiversity and Conservation, Climate Change and Air Quality, Strategic Infrastructure Projects, as well as Internal Auditors. National Treasury implemented reduction in compensation of employee’s allocations, resulting in not filling posts becoming vacant. The additional allocation received with regards to the Waste Tyre projects were also allocated under this line.
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