Why Parliament is hesitant to spend R39m on the dome’s furnishing

THE Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) has requested more time to finalise the designs for the internal fitting of the dome that is used as an alternative venue for the sitting of Parliament.

- MAYIBONGWE MAQHINA

This comes after the department and Parliament officials met last month to review the scope and cost of internal fitting to be installed in the dome.

“The review includes omission of three committee rooms with their fittings, omission of the suspended ceilings, reduction of dry walling and the raised floor area among other things,” reads the report containing responses prepared for the Joint Standing Committee on Financial Management of Parliament.

The dome, erected earlier this year, has not been in use since May to allow installation of internal fittings that are scheduled to be completed in September.

The department has estimated the scope and specifications for the internal fit-out of the dome at R39 822 957.

The dome is situated on a parking lot across Parliament on the corner of Roeland and Plein Streets in Cape Town.

The report said once the fitting were completed, the dome will boast a 500-seater chamber and a 280-seater public gallery.

There will be a reduced raised floor to cover the chamber and public gallery footprint only, three holding rooms and ablution facilities as well as reliable power supply, internal lighting and plug points for the AV and Broadcasting equipment.