R2bn needed to rebuild fire-damaged Parliament
Parliament says the process of fully restoring the buildings guttered by a fire in January will cost up to R2 billion.
The blaze caused extensive damage to the Old Assembly wing and the National Assembly wing of Parliament.
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has finally completed the cost assessments for repairs and reconstruction.
The new secretary to Parliament Xolile George told MPs in the Joint Standing Committee on Financial Management that the rebuilding process is expected to take up to three years.
George said R389 million is needed to repair the Old Assembly and R990 million for the new wing.
This excludes furniture, ICT for offices and committee rooms which all have to be replaced at another cost.
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“I have met with Public Works and Infrastructure, and they have indicated to us that they have completed their assessment, around the technical assessments of the fire and they have done detailed assessment.
"It is an area that will require significant resources, they have determined what we will need for the Old Assembly and rebuilding of the new wing."
Zandile Mafe, who is accused of starting the fire, is currently in court facing charges of housebreaking with intent to commit terrorism, two counts of arson and theft.
Mafe has failed in several legal bids to be released on bail.
The case has been postponed to September for pre-trial.
