Newly sworn-in ministers will not enjoy plush hotels for long periods of time.
This is if Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi has his way. Nxesi said his department has just three months to secure accommodation for 10 ministers. “We will have to see how we are going to get new property,” Nxesi said.
He said in the interim, ministers will be given temporary accommodation to avoid “big hotel bills”. “Buying property cannot be done in a month.
“But we are keen to sort this out as soon as possible,” Nxesi said. He said ministers who stay on in their portfolios may not receive new accommodation.
He said the ministerial handbook reads: “If, owing to exceptional circumstances, a state-owned residence is not immediately available for national members upon assumption of duty of office, expenses in connection with alternative accommodation may be debited to the state until an official residence becomes available.”
He added: “We want accommodation sorted out in Cape Town very soon because the ministers will have to start work (on) that side.” Ministers Nathi Mthethwa, Sbu Ndebele and Lindiwe Sisulu have in the past been accused of ringing up huge hotel bills. These have reportedly cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of rands. “We don’t want any controversy,” Nxesi added.
The renovations of ministerial houses have also been at the centre of controversy in the past. A Special Investigative Unit investigation found that R100m was spent on renovating 11 ministerial houses. Nxesi said the department had been instructed to spend prudently this time around.
In addition to providing housing, the department is responsible for the ministers’ relocation, moving costs, maintenance and cleaning as well as security.
qaanitahh@thenewage.co.za
- TNA
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