The new Minister for Public Works, Dean Macpherson, says executives and MPs cannot afford lavish lifestyles and that under the Seventh Government he will not allow procurement of ministerial housing or offices.
Mr MacPherson will replace Sihle Zikalala as one of six Democratic Alliance (DA) ministers who make up the Government of National Unity (GNU).
He said the allocation would be made from existing state assets without seeking procurement of new assets.
Mr Macpherson also argues that members of the executive branch and MPs will have to make do with existing furniture and offices.
“As Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, I have issued a directive that there will be no procurement of new housing or offices for Ministers, Deputy Ministers and MPs. After consultation with the Ministry's DGS, I have determined that there is sufficient stock within the Ministry to meet the current needs of our senior executives and MPs. I have also communicated that we will not be procuring any furniture or fixtures for the homes of our senior executives and MPs. This is to continue our cost reduction programme and allow us to develop more infrastructure to be deployed to more communities across the country.”
