Deputy Speaker and hon members in the House, the NFP notes the BRR report on the portfolio committee on public works tabled here today. Allow me hon Deputy Speaker to express our concern at the state of affairs of this department. For years, this department has been performing dismally. Irregularities and the supply chain management continue unabated. We welcome the recommendation set by the committee and call on the Minister to report on the prestige projects in the Western Cape.
Minister, you have had a history of giving contracts people that are close to you. I do hope that you will not
do exactly the same thing here as the Minister of Public Works. One good example was the contract on water metres that was issued to one of the family members and I do hope and pray that you would have turned a new leaf in trying to put this particular department in order.
Infrastructure development is one of the driving forces behind economic growth. If you look at the water crisis that was created in the Western Cape that is one good example but the NFP gave a solution in terms of infrastructure development particularly in the water and sanitation when we said since contractors do not have the resources to get the material what we should be doing is providing them with the resources and material creating an industry where we can manufacture the goods. In that way there can be economic development and job creation in South Africa. We thank you. the NFP very reluctantly will support this BRR report.