Boost for Gauteng Legislature setup

Nie Cele

Gauteng Legislature ageing infrastructure will soon spot a new look, thanks to the ample budget of R674 million recently tabled by the Speaker NtombiMekgwe. Furthermore the adjacent ageing City Hall will also get a facelift.

This was revealed by the Speaker during her topical budget speech vote. At first she underlined that the Gauteng Legislature budget increased from R649 million in the last financial year to R674 million in the current financial year and over R240 million is allocated to core functions such as committee oversight work, law making and public participation.

According to her, top on the list is that over R240 million is allocated to core functions such as committee oversight work, law making and public participation,Maintenance of infrastructure,  including theupgrading of aged infrastructure and City Hall, remedial work to exterior of the building.

She also stressed that R300 million has been set aside for the replacement of chairs in the house chamber and rehabilitation of parts of the main building,

On the use of consultants, the Speaker reported to the House that Gauteng Legislature use consultants where necessary to complement or enhance skills.

“The use of consultants is discouraged for projects or activities that can be done internally.”

Mekgwe also argued that legislature budget supports continuous learning and development of staff and MPLs to ensure skilled and competent staff with the aim of reducing the need for consultants.

“This Legislature will continue to use public participation processes to bring the Legislature closer and more responsive to communities by increasing the reach and presence of the Legislature across the Gauteng Province through meaningful participation.”