The Department of Justice spent over R27-million when it moved into its new offices in Pretoria in February this year, according to Justice Minister Penuell Maduna.
In a written reply to a question tabled in Parliament, Maduna said the total cost of the move, which included refurbishing the premises, was R27 733 053.
According to the minister R13 312 192 was spent on refurbishing the building, R8 232 451 on setting up the IT network, and R2 203 000 on moving furniture and equipment to the new office.
He said the department also expected to spend an additional R8,5-million on refurbishing the main entrance to the building and installing a security system.
New National Party spokesperson Carol Johnson said in a statement on Monday the costs were unacceptable.
”The NNP knows that the department’s offices have to be equipped to fulfil its duties, but to spend so much money on furniture, telephones and removal costs are unacceptable. This money could have been used to build more courts, install CCTV cameras, combat child and women abuse etc. The list is endless,” she said.
Only the head office and the Ministry were moved. – Sapa