Cape Town - Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson visited the charred National Assembly yesterday to assess the progress of its reconstruction.
The contractor took the minister and his team through the Old Chambers and showed them the House, held together by prop poles and beams.
He reminisced about the time before the precinct went up in flames on January 2, 2022, as he went from one room to another.
Parliament was set alight in the early morning hours of that Sunday, and Zandile Christmas Mafe was arrested for arson.
“I wanted to come to Parliament, to inspect the damage that was inflicted, look at the work that has been done and have a first-hand account and assessment for myself before seeing the Speaker with the Development Bank of South Africa, who were going to give a presentation on the progress they are making as the implementing agency and on behalf of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.
“Of course, being an MP for 10 years, it doesn’t get less heartbreaking to see what happened here, and what shouldn’t have happened. Clearly, there were failures in maintenance and in adherence to regulations that saw this tragedy unfold.
“We know now that the devastation was partly caused as a result of poor maintenance over many years, and we need to ensure that such a disaster does not take place ever again.
“This is why I want to be actively involved in the reconstruction of the National Assembly building to ensure that the project is completed on time and on budget. The reconstruction of the National Assembly buildings should be moving much faster to avoid any further delay, and therefore additional oversight should be welcomed. We simply cannot wait any longer.”
Following his oversight visit to the clearing and the reconstruction of the National Assembly, Macpherson met with National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza to discuss the progress on the National Assembly’s reconstruction and efforts to expedite its construction.
Macpherson said that the increased oversight would help avoid the abuse of scarce public resources, and encouraged members of the public to report any corruption allegations should they arise – with evidence – to his office to escalate and investigate.
Parliament secretary Xolile George said the minister’s visit was a great moment for them.
“For us to be able to take him through the work that has been done and also ensure he’s able to appreciate some of the nuances that we have to contend with. We had to make sure that we comply with every aspect of the National Heritage Legislation that governs the precinct of Parliament.”
National Assembly chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure Carol Phiri explained that they were very concerned about the comments made at the plenary meeting earlier this week.
“We heard that the STP (George) had two years to remove the rubble and we were not happy at all. At least we can now go back to the committee to explain with George.”
mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za
Cape Argus