Computers stolen from the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) have all been replaced, said a PAP official on Thursday.
”The computers have been replaced,” said PAP media liaison officer Matome Sebelebele.
He confirmed that the computers had been stolen more than a year ago but said the South African Department of Foreign Affairs had arranged replacements.
Earlier in the day, PAP finance committee chairperson Wycliffe Oparanya accused South Africa of not living up to its responsibility as the host country, by failing to replace the computers.
”They said they would replace it by this session, but we had nothing to work on,” said Oparanya.
In bidding to host the PAP, South Africa said it would provide the facility, security and fully furnished offices including the IT infrastructure.
This was provided but in 2005 over 200 computers was stolen from the parliamentary complex when PAP was not sitting.
”We are grateful to the South African government that they provided us with the premises but … they have not provided us with equipment.
”If you go to our offices there are no computers, there are no calculators; we are supposed to be connected to the internet but none of this has been provided,” he said.
The PAP closes it sixth session after two weeks of deliberations on Thursday and is due to have its next session in 2007. — Sapa