Legislature move to city a cause for concern
The complex in Lebowakgomo was originally built for the Lebowa homeland government during the Apartheid era
POLOKWANE –Â If there were ever concerns that the relocation of the Limpopo Legislature from Lebowakgomo to Polokwane would render the complex in Lebowakgomo a “white elephant”, MEC for Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure, Jerry Ndou, has allayed such trepidations.
The complex in Lebowakgomo was originally built for the Lebowa homeland government during the Apartheid era.
When the idea of a single government complex in Polokwane was first mentioned in 1995 by former premier, Ngoako Ramatlhodi, it became a highly contentious issue because of the residential and business implications for the city at the time.
Explaining the rationale behind moving the legislature from Lebowakgomo to Polokwane, Ndou said: “there are many diverse reasons why we are pushing for the relocation of the legislature.
“The current venue is old and decaying and, as such, the maintenance is costly. Furthermore, it will be convenient enough for Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) who reside in Polokwane who have to travel to Lebowakgomo daily to perform their legislative duties”.
Ndou said there was no way the old complex in Lebowakgomo would suddenly become a white elephant.
“The complex can still be used by the Lepelle Nkumpi Local Municipality, the district municipality and the community at large.
“Even the old buildings of the former Venda and Gazankulu homelands are still used by respective municipalities in the Vhembe and Mopani districts. So, there is no need to panic that this one at Lebowakgomo will fall to pieces because it will be unused.”
The legislature, together with the Department of Treasury and the Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure are exploring the best Public, Private Partnership (PPP) model that will ensure the building costs are fair and reasonable, without overburdening the provincial fiscus over time.
