The Democratic Alliance (DA) reiterates the call for an urgent joint meeting of the relevant stakeholders to address the persistent infrastructure challenges that undermines the operationality of the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature.
The upcoming constituency period provides an ideal opportunity for members, independent structural engineers, and construction industry specialists to assess the status of the precinct.
We need an objective and honest evaluation of the risks we face, as parts of the building appear dangerously unsafe for occupation and compels committees to meet on virtual platforms.
Heavy rain at the end of April 2026, which damaged ceilings at the Members’ Wing and the chambers used for sittings, exposed the continued structural integrity risks at the precinct. The roofs, water management system, and electrical infrastructure are constantly deteriorating. Since May 2026, the precinct has not had reliable electrical supply and the need to procure fuel for the generator places significant financial pressure on the institution.
Flooding already forced evacuation from the precinct once in the past decade, as the Department of Labour shut the institution down in 2016 after underground water sources flooded the basement and lifts. A multi-year and multi-million rand project followed, with the institution housed at the BP Jones and Metlife office buildings for two years. Upon our return, it seems that repairs were minimal: we continue to experience what can only be described as “repairs on repairs”.
As a National Key Point, it is imperative that the precinct is maintained to the highest standards of security, safety, and functionality.
The Northern Cape should no longer remain the only province without these essential and proper legislative facilities.
Continued delays will only increase future costs.