KZN govt defends billion rand plan for new precinct in PMB
KZN's Public Works MEC has defended local government's plans
to build a new government precinct in the province.
Jomo Sibiya says the multi-billion rand project in Pietermaritzburg will strengthen service delivery and do away with rental costs for employees.
The precinct is set to house more than 5 000 workers. Construction costs are sitting at R6.8 billion.
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Sibiya's been responding to criticism by the IFP, which feels it's an unnecessary and wasteful project. Party leader Velenkosini Hlabisa says there's already a provincial government precinct in Ulundi.
"Under the prevailing economic circumstances, it is not ideal to make a loan, to duplicate what exists. There is a legislature at Ulundi that is big enough.
"It accommodates 130 members of the legislature. It is has a gallery which is five times more than the gallery we have currently in Pietermartizburg, we have offices. There is no need to renew.”
