Parliament yet to determine costs of alternative venue

Parliament says it has not determined the cost, as yet, on hosting sittings of the National Assembly at an alternative venue.

This after the Sunday Times reported each sitting could cost close to R1 million if hosted by the Cape Town International Conference Centre (CTICC).

The Nation Assembly Chamber and surrounding offices were gulfed in flames in January, prompting a different venue for the National Assembly's plenary meetings.

‘’Last week, Parliament hosted a joint sitting of its two Houses to deliver the State of the Nation Address at the temporary precincts - the Cape Town City Hall. While a decision was taken for the sitting of the National Assembly to be hosted at the Good Hope Chamber, one of the buildings in the regular precincts of Parliament unaffected by the fire, Parliament is currently exploring a longer-term, affordable and feasible alternative with adequate capacity to accommodate all Members of the House physically,’’ said Parliament's spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo

‘’In this regard, the CTICC is one of the options being explored, and engagements are taking place with its management. Parliament will, as per agreement at the Friday meeting with the CTICC, provide the company with a comprehensive list of needs and requirements to determine the cost (quotation) of hosting the Assembly business at the venue,’’ added Mothapo.

Mothapo confirmed that the CTICC is one of the options being explored, and engagements are taking place with its management.

‘’The daily costs published by the Sunday Times for holding sittings at the CTICC is unfortunate speculation and misleading. The guesswork has no factual basis as no costs have yet been determined, either for the CTICC or other venues, Parliament is considering.’’

‘’In the interest of openness and transparency, Parliament will inform the public about the costs of holding sittings at any alternative venue that would be decided once such prices are determined. As we said before, whatever venue Parliament will opt for must be financially sensible, feasible and strengthen Parliament's ability to fulfil its constitutional functions,’’ he added.

PICTURE: Parliament

Done By: Mitchum George