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NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES
QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY
PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO.: 416
DATE OF QUESTION: 17 AUGUST 2012
416. Mr O de Beer (COPE-WC) to ask the Minister of Justice and
Constitutional Development:
Whether his department has any plans to improve the deteriorating
infrastructure of the Vredenburg Magistrate Court; if not, why not; if
so, (a) what plans and (b) what are the further relevant details?
CW521E
REPLY:-
(a&b) I wish to inform the Honourable Member that yes, my department has
both short and long term plans to improve the infrastructure of the
Vredenburg Magistrateâs Court, which are as follows:
Short Term Plans:
The Department of Public Works (DPW) has been approached regarding the
condition of the Vredenburg Magistrateâs Court and they have subsequently
registered a project for repairs and renovations on the Planned Maintenance
Programme with reference number WCS 049841. A professional team comprising
of a Project Manager, Architect and engineers met with the Court Manager on
19 January 2012 in order to do a detailed assessment of the scope of
repairs required to bring the building to an acceptable standard. Â This
project would accomplish, inter alia, the following:
⢠Repairs of all cracks in the building;
⢠Painting of damaged walls;
⢠All woodwork to be replaced and varnished;
⢠Replacement of broken metal fittings (ironmongery);
⢠Repairs and painting of all gates;
⢠Repairs to the electrical system to ensure compliance;
⢠Fresh air ventilation to the cells;
⢠Repairs to the rainwater channels;
⢠Repairs to the plumbing system; and
⢠Provision of shelving for filing.
The above repairs project commenced on 10 August 2012 and its completion is
expected by 05 January 2013.
Long Term Plans:
A request for the provision of additional accommodation has also been
logged with the National Office of the Department of Justice &
Constitutional Development and is receiving attention. The request
includes construction of further space for courtrooms, offices for
magistrates, prosecutors and administrative staff, sufficient holding cells
and adequate archives.