Windhoek
In a move that could warm the hearts of critics of the proposed new N$2.7 billion parliament building, President Hage Geingob this week instructed senior government figures – including Vice-President Nickey Iyambo – to convene a press conference and explain to the nation how the cost, which initially stood at N$800 million, escalated into billions.
Others to answer tough questions at the press conference are Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, Deputy Prime Minister Nandi-Ndaitwah, National Assembly Speaker Peter Katjavivi, Chairperson of the National Council Margaret Mensah-Williams, Presidential Affairs Minister Frans Kapofi and Information and Communication Technology Minister Tjekero Tweya.
Whether the press conference would merely put the N$2.7 billion figure into context or announce a reduced actual figure, would be of great interest to the public.
Reacting to the news, a political commentator is of the opinion that President Geingob is only trying to do things right and not micro-manage his lieutenants.
Voices against the new parliament building gained momentum in recent weeks – with young people planning to camp in Windhoek on June 16 in protest of the proposed lavish legislative chamber.
Geingob had in the past referred questions on the project to the legislature – on account that he, as head of the executive, should not involve himself in the issue as it would result in compromising the independence of both arms of government.
But at a decision-making cabinet session on Tuesday, Geingob expressed concern over how the cost escalated by over 300 percent from the original amount.
Katjavivi had attempted to answer those questions during an extensive interview with New Era last week by saying the initial cost was only for the construction of a National Assembly building and that the National Council was included at a later stage, leading to the booming of the cost.
The proposed new parliament building has engendered a massive backlashing from the public especially on social media and this drove the Affirmative Repositioning (AR) movement to organise a demonstration slated for June 16.
Commentator Hoze Riruako is of the opinion that Geingob is ensuring that government resources are wisely spent.
“At least government is trying to make sure that the government resources are utilised in the most prudent and optimal manner,” said Riruako.
“For too long the expenses of government were not that much scrutinized and this has led to some unauthorized expenditures and some skyrocketing prices.”
Riruako added: “It is better for everybody to take time to scrutinise the cost and look at the real cost of any activities, to make sure that what is procured is procured within the normal cost of the project.”
He stressed that this should never be seen as micro-management but a method to ensure that scarce resources are used in the most sparing way, “and Geingob is trying to do things the right way”.
During the cabinet session it was further highlighted that government has not adequately justified the rationale for the proposed new parliament building.
According to a communication received from State House yesterday: “The parliament building is an important undertaking to strengthen the functionality of democratic governance architecture.
“However, once completed, it may also be seen as a national asset and legacy institution for future generations.”
The planned press conference is expected to expound on the rationale for the proposed project and clarify issues pertaining to its financing.
“While on the matter of financing, the presidency would like to dispel the notion that there is N$2.4 billion ‘laying around’ in the current MTEF for the construction of a new parliament, and that government’s spending priorities are misplaced,” State House press secretary Albertus Aochamub said in the statement.
It is noted, as documented in the recently approved MTEF, that only N$58 million out of a capital budget of N$32.5 billion was allocated towards the construction of the building.
This, the presidency says, represents less than half a percent of the approved capital budget.
“During the same period, Government will at a minimum allocate N$8 billion towards the development of primary and secondary educational facilities, health facilities, land servicing, housing and sanitation.”
It is the presidency’s account that another N$8 billion had been earmarked for investment in economic sectors, while N$10 billion was allocated for infrastructure critical for growth, most notably the ageing rail system.
It is further forecasted that if revenue streams improve, more funds, as a matter of principle and priority, will be allocated towards the development of social sectors.
“Typically, a project of the nature of parliament cannot be expected to be completed over a short period of time, and progress will depend on funds’ availability, as well as other competing priorities, especially social priorities.
“It is, thus, conceivable that the construction of a new parliament building could take close to a decade to complete. As in the current MTEF, the bulk of government spending priorities will continue to be directed towards the social and economic sectors, as well as the development of key competiveness-enabling infrastructure. All this will be done within the confines of responsible and disciplined fiscal policy.”