Parliament's reluctance to allocate R39m for dome fittings raises eyebrows
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has put his foot down on spending too much on the internal fittings for the dome tent.
Image: Henk Kruger / Independent Newspapers
The DPWI has asked for additional time to complete the designs for the internal fittings of the dome, which serves as an alternative venue for Parliament sessions.
This request follows a meeting held last month between department officials and Parliament representatives to assess the scope and costs associated with the internal fittings planned for the dome.
“The review includes omission of three committee rooms with their fittings, omission of the suspended ceilings, reduction of dry walling and the raised floor area among other things,” reads the report containing responses prepared for the Joint Standing Committee on Financial Management of Parliament.
The dome, erected earlier this year, has not been in use since May to allow installation of internal fittings that are scheduled to be completed in September.
The department has estimated the scope and specifications for the internal fit-out of the dome at R39 822 957.
The dome is situated on a parking lot across Parliament on the corner of Roeland and Plein Streets in Cape Town.
The dome serving as an alternative venue for Parliament, is currently under scrutiny for its furnishing costs.
Image: File
The report said once the fitting were completed, the dome will boast a 500-seater chamber and a 280-seater public gallery.
Public Works and Infrastructure minister Dan Macpherson said his department has spent R6 277 480 on the transportation and set up of the dome.
Macpherson has put his foot down on spending too much on the internal fittings for the dome tent.
“The estimate cost for the upgrading and furnishing of the dome for it to be functional for Parliament’s business was R39 822 957.81, which is something that I completely reject.
“While this figure includes the purchasing of conference tables, chairs and covers, HVAC, lighting, partitions, generators and an electrical sub-station, we cannot expect South Africans to foot the bill of such proportions.”
Macpherson said he was cognisant of the issues MPs raised in relation to the first iteration of the dome, particularly the sound system and acoustics.
“However, due to the dome essentially being a tent, it will never be as perfect as a brick-and-mortar structure. As such, there comes a point where additions to the structure will only yield marginal improvement,” he said.
While Parliament is battling to find a venue for physical sittings, it proposed three options to sittings for special events.
One of the options is hybrid meetings that will not incur additional costs as MPs have allowance for data.
“The downside of this option is that some members may face connectivity challenges, and it does not cater for special events such as State of the Nation Address and the Budget Speech.”
The second option is hybrid meetings with the hiring of venues for special events.
The report to joint committee states that hybrid meetings with planned venue hire for special events was projected to cost R33.8 m for venues, and R 14.2m for AV and broadcasting equipment.
The third option is the use of the dome after completion of internal fit-out.
“The advantage of this option is that DPWI will own the equipment in the long term.”
Parliament stated that the department will advise on the feasibility of the use of the dome after the rebuilding project is complete and that the AV and Broadcasting equipment will be used in Parliament buildings once the dome is decommissioned.
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