STATEMENT BY THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS, MR. F BENGU ON THE ARTICLE IN DIE BEELD AND DIE BURGER ON THE MAINTENANCE OF STATE ASSETS BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

21 February 2007

In his state of the Nation address the President said, I am certain that we shall all agree that working together to achieve the happiness that comes with freedom applies equally to the challenge of dealing with crime".

The President went on to say, "Peace and political stability are also central to the governments efforts to create an enabling environment to encourage

investment.. .Decisive action will be taken to eradicate lawlessness, drug trafficking, gun running, crime and especially the abuse of women and children".

The president added by saying, "Certainly we cannot erase that which is ugly and repulsive and claim the happiness that comes with freedom if communities live in fear, closeted behind walls and barbed wire, ever anxious in their houses, on the streets and on our roads, unable freely to enjoy our public spaces. Obviously, we must continue and further intensify the struggle against crime".

At no stage did the President by deny the existence of crime. But to suggest by the DA that crime had become national crisis is preposterous and absurd. If there was a national crisis there would be a government. The DA has a maniacal obsession that rejects the call by the President to jointly hold hands in fighting crime. The myopic interpretation by the DA of what the President said in the State of the Nation Address leaves a lot to be desired.

Media articles regarding the cost of maintenance of state assets and with specific reference to Bryntirion estate is an ongoing maintenance project of the department including all other state assets. The department must continue to pursue its mandates.

One questions the motives of the DA's constant attacks to the President.