N$700m for new parliament

FEASIBILITY study that was commissioned by the National Assembly has estimated that government will have to fork out N$700 million for the construction of a new parliament building.

A FEASIBILITY study that was commissioned by the National Assembly has estimated that government will have to fork out N$700 million for the construction of a new parliament building.

This was confirmed yesterday by secretary to the National Assembly, Jakes Jacobs, who also said the new parliament will be located behind the current one.

Jacobs said the feasibility study was done last year by Claud Bosch Architects. The secretary also confirmed that the architects were paid N$500 000 for their work.

He said the next phase is that of documentation, which will require N$70 million – a 10% of the estimated cost charged by the surveyors.

Jacobs said this amount has to be approved this financial year because construction is supposed to commence in 2016. He doubted, though, that this amount would be made available in full.

“That is the money we need to complete the documentation process, but I don’t think we will get all the money. The experts will charge 10% of their costs on the bill of quantities from the total (N$700 million) which will cost up to N$70 million for the documentation process alone,” he said.

The N$700 million being quoted by the feasibility study experts will be an increase from the N$127 million that was reportedly requested by the National Assembly for the project last year, even though Jacobs denied requesting N$127 million.

According to a report in an English daily last year, the aim of constructing the new building was to provide appropriate office space for members of parliament and staff.

Jacobs said the feasibility study was presented to members of parliament last year when some supported the project, while others had reservations.

“The comments were basically just to improve and tie up loose ends, but the vibe was positive from the members who attended the presentation. I must add that this will be a long process but we are looking at 2016 to start building the new parliament,” Jacobs added.

The current parliament, also known as the Tintenpalast, was built 102 years ago and houses the National Assembly that has 78 seats.

The N$700 million has been tipped for the National Assembly only, even though sources there believe that members of the National Council, which has 26 seats, are also going to push for them to be part of the multi-million dollar project.

The secretary of the National Assembly added that “staff members are increasing yearly and with the new parliament it will provide adequate and appropriate office space for parliament and staff members. The current parliament, especially the National Assembly one, was initially not meant for sessions.”

Permanent secretary in the ministry of works Peter Mwatile confirmed that his ministry is providing technical assistance to the feasibility study for the ambitious project, adding that the National Assembly is heading the initiative.

Asked whether the N$70 million is over the top, Mwatile, who said he is not fully aware of the amount quoted by the experts, told The Namibian that the construction of the new parliament will need special attention since it will also cover other areas such as modern technology and security.

Insiders say another idea that has been suggested by politicians and experts is the inclusion of a house at the National Assembly premises that will accommodate visiting lawmakers from other countries. This idea is yet to be approved.

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