Hon Deputy Minister, Cope supports the government's efforts to contribute to the achievement of Outcome 8, namely creating sustainable human settlements and improving the quality of household life. We are also aware that to achieve this in our country is indeed a mammoth and complex task.
However, we are concerned about what appears to be the excessive use of consultants by the department in the implementation of its programmes, particularly where we consider that some of the tasks allocated to consultants could, in fact, be carried out by the department officials, as this would reduce the costs of consultants. This, of course, would provide employment to people with suitable skills in the department. The question is: Does the Minister have any future plans to reduce such costs and to use consultants only when and where absolutely necessary? If so, what plans; and if not, why not?