R2 billion over three years has been earmarked by the National Treasury for the rebuilding of Parliament following the fire that caused extensive structural damage to the property in January.
During his speech on the 2022 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS), Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said that they were working closely with the presiding officers of Parliament to have the building properly restored, adding that treasury would spend an initial R118 million to address interim costs and to prepare for rebuilding.
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Godongwana added that consolidated spending on building new and rehabilitating existing infrastructure, over the medium term, would nearly double from R66.7 billion in 2022/23 to R112.5 billion in 2025/26 and also cover roads, bridges, storm-water systems and public buildings.
“The allocation affords Parliament an opportunity to urgently deal with infrastructure challenges posed by the fire, which includes rebuilding damaged structures, interim arrangement for the physical return of all Members of Parliament for plenary and committee sittings, broadcast infrastructure and the modernization of committee rooms to enable hybrid meetings,” read a statement from Parliament’s spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo. “The allocation announced by the minister today gives an added impetus to the process of rebuilding and returning Parliament to its optimal operation.”
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Parliament fire: It could cost more than R1 billion to rebuild National Assembly
Photo: Cape{town} Etc Library