Deputy Speaker, while the DA supports the Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report, BRRR, being tabled today, we do so with the following riders.
Firstly, the absolute failure of the Fifth Parliament to finalise legislation for the Department of Public Works, the Property Management Trading Entity and the Independent Development Trust cannot and will not be repeated by the Sixth Parliament.
Minister De Lille, this is your responsibility. The department cannot continue to function on the outdated White Papers, if it is to improve both audit outcomes and service delivery.
Secondly, the infrastructure component of this department remains a question mark. The failure of the President to do proper planning and interrogation prior to adding the infrastructure to the department's mandate has meant that one of the critical deliverables of government is in limbo. The infrastructure mandate and the budget for implementation must be incorporated into the department as a matter of urgency.
Thirdly, transformation in the built environment is an imperative. The idea to hold the Public Works Academy is supported, but more must be done to partner with
education establishments to ensure that people from previously disadvantaged backgrounds have fair access to the opportunities in the built environment.
Furthermore, the immovable asset register continues to be a cause for concern although great progress has been made. Failure to keep accurate record of assets is costing the department and is hampering the ability of municipalities to collect revenue on these properties.
Finally, EPWP should be properly monitored at implementation. It should be a fair and free mechanism, combining poverty alleviation with infrastructure development, and not a vehicle for political patronage and a reward for supporting the ANC. Policy must be developed to ensure proper implementation, monitoring and oversight. Implementers at local government must be held accountable in terms of expenditure, reporting and proper management of the programme. The DA supports this report. Thank you.