Dying diggers of Namaqualand need saving
by Adv Boitumelo Babuseng MPL – DA Provincial Spokesperson for Economic Affairs
Date: 30 October 2017
Release: Immediate
Type: Press Statement
The Democratic Alliance supports the termination of the agreement between the Northern Cape Economic Development, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (NCDEA) and the service provider currently managing the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre.
It is becoming increasingly clear that the state and the taxpayers are being robbed. Rather than generating income and paying a portion thereof to the state, the service provider seems to be the only party benefiting from the current arrangements.
We note that legal action is underway, but we also want this matter to be referred to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts. We have asked questions in committee to seek clarity from the department as well as the entity and, each time, our questions are fended off with the excuse of the matter being “sub judice”.
The service provider is making money hand over fist with the management of this centre, which is a unique conference facility and therefore frequently in demand with high-profile events. One pays rent for this facility to the service provider and not to NCEDA or any other entity in the provincial government. That money is now being owed to the local municipality for rates and taxes is mind-boggling and unacceptable.
Clearly, there is something wrong with this contract and the matter must be investigated further.
Media Enquiries
Adv Boitumelo Babuseng MPL
DA Provincial Spokesperson for Economic Affairs
082 302 2117
Tharina Whittaker
Researcher
071 251 5558
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