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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure, Ms Carol Phiri, has expressed her satisfaction on progress in the rebuilding of Parliament’s National Assembly (NA) and Old Assembly chambers during an onsite visit at Parliament yesterday.
 
The on-site visit included the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, the Secretary to Parliament, and senior officials from the Development Bank of Southern Africa.
 
Ms Phiri said: "There is progress happening, and we are happy that the contractor is equal to the task, which includes the reconstruction of the fifth floors in the 90 Plein Street building into 155 office spaces for Members of Parliament."
 
While she commended the progress made so far, she called for the rebuilding project to be accelerated to ensure that it is completed within the established timeframes.
 
She said Parliament is also considering the use of the “Dome”, a makeshift structure owned by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), which was used during the funeral of former President Nelson Mandela, for long-term use as a temporary chamber for the NA while construction is taking place. She highlighted the challenges posed by this temporary arrangement and reiterated the urgency for the DPWI to accelerate the pace of the project.
 
“The current situation, with members of Parliament working from a makeshift marquee in a parking lot, underscores the critical need for timely completion of the chambers,” she said.
 
The committee urged DPWI, as the custodian of the parliamentary grounds, to prioritise the timely completion of the chambers to facilitate a return to normal parliamentary operations and provide a conducive environment for legislative activities.
 
Issued by the Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure, Ms Carol Phiri