Didiza Assures Reconstruction Of Parliament’s Fire-Damaged Buildings On Course

National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has assured that the reconstruction of Parliament’s fire-damaged buildings is progressing as planned.

This announcement comes as the National Assembly met in a temporary marquee on a parliamentary parking lot on Monday. This meeting marked the first in-person gathering after two years of hybrid sittings.

During the debate on Parliament’s over R4 billion budget, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) once again proposed relocating Parliament to Gauteng. Meanwhile, the National Coloured Congress (NCC) alleged maladministration in the reconstruction contracts.

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The sixth administration faced significant challenges in meeting as a collective, initially due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and subsequently because of the fire that razed the National Assembly building in 2022.

Didiza announced that Parliament had requested a dome structure, previously used for Nelson Mandela’s 2013 funeral, erected in Cape Town as a chamber.

She stated, “This is the asset of the state which can be put to good use. The minister has indicated to us that the dome is available.” Didiza will meet with the Development Bank and the Department of Public Works on Thursday to discuss rebuilding progress.

Meanwhile, NCC Member of Parliament Fadiel Adams raised concerns regarding the appointment of a maintenance contractor, which he claimed was actually a construction company.

Adams pointed out, “There’s a difference between maintenance and construction, and that’s a red flag to us.” Didiza pledged to verify whether the service providers are fit for purpose.