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.