Chairperson, the ACDP shares the concerns regarding the delays in building of the four new prisons, certain of which were supposed to have been completed by April next year. Whilst we appreciate the enormity of the projects involved, we are concerned with the huge escalation in costs. In view of the exorbitant costs already incurred in the existing public-private partnership prison programme, the ACDP is concerned about the project finance model to be adopted. We cannot give a blank cheque.
According to National Treasury, had the department begun building the four new prisons when they were given the money to do so, they would not be experiencing the huge escalation in costs that they are at present. This delay has resulted in the reprioritisation of funds, which, though permitted, is clearly undesirable.
Whilst the situation regarding prison overcrowding has improved, overcrowding, nevertheless, remains a problem and is the root cause of health problems and the spread of diseases, such as tuberculosis and HIV/Aids in certain prisons. For these reasons the ACDP will not support this Budget Vote. I thank you.