/ 17 March 2011

DA calls for probe into Gauteng premier’s house

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng has asked the Public Protector to investigate allegedly expensive refurbishments to Premier Nomvula Mokonyane’s official residence, spokesperson Jack Bloom said on Thursday.

“I have today requested the Public Protector to investigate the apparent excessive amount spent on refurbishment of the official residence of the Gauteng premier, which is in the northern Johannesburg suburb of Bryanston,” Bloom said in a statement.

The Star reported that the house had been bought for R11,5-million in 2004 when it was only a few years old.

Since then about R12,2-million had allegedly been spent on refurbishments and repairs.

Bloom said the appointment of some of the contractors might have contravened the Public Finance Management Act, and the Gauteng government might have over-paid for renovations and been ripped off by contractors.

“I will also request that members of the Gauteng legislature’s infrastructure development committee conduct a site inspection of the renovations that have been done to this house.

“We cannot afford to waste money on luxuries when ordinary people suffer with the cost of living,” Bloom said. — Sapa