The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1)
(a) The work that was implemented was programmed as part of the work packages that was agreed prior to the holiday session, and suitable time to implement was during December 2023 when many people were on holiday. The horticulture services form part of the preventative maintenance scope. Key areas were identified that required attention. Therefore this was not a new project but the continuation of their current services.
(b) The work was undertaken by the contracted facilities management company and not an independent contractor.
(2)
(a) The preparation of the area and groundwork was paid from the scheduled items allowed for in the corrective maintenance bill of qualities. The cost for the preparation and groundwork amounts to R136 420.00. The new plants are part of the supplemental planting that falls under preventative maintenance scope of the works. No additional remuneration is required for this item.
(b) The total facilities management contract is provided for under programme 6 of PMTE.
(3) The facilities management contract is 5 year contract, so funds are used within that period, so this cannot be classified as fiscal dumping, because the 5 year period has not yet come to an end.