R600 million for upkeep of MPs' and ministers' homes, Parly hears
Taxpayers have been coughing up R600m over five years to keep the homes of MPs and ministers in Cape Town maintained.
Over a five-year period, South African taxpayers have spent R600 million to maintain the homes of MPs and ministers in Cape Town. This funding covered three parliamentary villages, which house MPs from outside the city, as well as ministers' official residences, all under a single contract with the public works and infrastructure department.
When the contract expires in May, Parliament is set to take over the villages, but it remains uncertain whether the contract will be extended until the new law officially transfers the villages to Parliament. Simon Mashigo, head of Parliament's institutional support services division, stated that the contract did not include a detailed breakdown of costs, with the department unsure whether the expenses related to the three parliamentary villages.
The City of Cape Town owns the land on which Laboria Park stands, potentially limiting Parliament's ability to fully control the village. If Parliament manages Laboria Park, it would require permission from the City of Cape Town for any upgrades or disposals. Additionally, police officers guarding the villages cannot open criminal cases, forcing residents to report crimes at the nearest police station.
MPs have reported issues with communication systems, such as non-functioning phones and intercoms, in the villages. The committee received 13 written submissions on the draft Parliamentary Villages Bill, none of which opposed it.
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