The scale of construction on President Jacob Zuma’s private residence at Nkandla in no way reflected the massive amounts spent on so-called security upgrades.
There was also clear evidence of cost escalation that enriched some people involved.
This was the view of MPs across the political spectrum who visited the president’s homestead on Wednesday to see for themselves exactly what R246-million of taxpayers’ money had bought.
The MPs agreed there was evidence of shoddy workmanship and incomplete construction.
On Thursday members of the parliamentary committee on Nkandla called for Police Minister Nathi Nhleko to be recalled to the committee to clarify his Nkandla report. The report had absolved Zuma from repaying any of the money spent on nonsecurity features in his home.
MPs want further clarity on the contents of a South African Police Service assessment of the security measures needed at Nkandla to protect the president.
DA MP James Selfe said the committee also needed access to the initial cost estimate for the construction developed by the Department of Public Works.
The visit by the parliamentary ad hoc committee looking into the upgrades was embroiled in controversy when the media and some DA members were allowed only limited access to the homestead.
Journalists were only permitted to accompany the committee when it inspected the clinic and houses meant for the military‚ outside the compound.
The houses are said to have cost R135.2-million to build.qq The Congress of the People said it was disgraceful R135-million had been spent on the army barracks‚ which seemed of limited use.
Committee chairman Cedric Frolick of the ANC said: “What I have seen there is not worth the R200-plus million that is claimed to be spent, and the people responsible for that must be held accountable.” — BDlive
‘Shoddy’ work at Nkandla
There was also clear evidence of cost escalation that enriched some people involved.
This was the view of MPs across the political spectrum who visited the president’s homestead on Wednesday to see for themselves exactly what R246-million of taxpayers’ money had bought.
The MPs agreed there was evidence of shoddy workmanship and incomplete construction.
On Thursday members of the parliamentary committee on Nkandla called for Police Minister Nathi Nhleko to be recalled to the committee to clarify his Nkandla report. The report had absolved Zuma from repaying any of the money spent on nonsecurity features in his home.
MPs want further clarity on the contents of a South African Police Service assessment of the security measures needed at Nkandla to protect the president.
DA MP James Selfe said the committee also needed access to the initial cost estimate for the construction developed by the Department of Public Works.
The visit by the parliamentary ad hoc committee looking into the upgrades was embroiled in controversy when the media and some DA members were allowed only limited access to the homestead.
Journalists were only permitted to accompany the committee when it inspected the clinic and houses meant for the military‚ outside the compound.
The houses are said to have cost R135.2-million to build.qq The Congress of the People said it was disgraceful R135-million had been spent on the army barracks‚ which seemed of limited use.
Committee chairman Cedric Frolick of the ANC said: “What I have seen there is not worth the R200-plus million that is claimed to be spent, and the people responsible for that must be held accountable.” — BDlive
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