PREMIER WON'T REVEAL COST OF FURNITURE IN OFFICIAL RESIDENCE

Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane today refused to reveal the cost of furniture in the official Premier's residence in Bryanston in north Johannesburg.

This is in response to my question in the House whether she agreed with the Department of Infrastructure Development that details could not be disclosed on the furniture because it is "a risk to the safety and necessary confidentiality of the occupants of the house".

Mokonyane said that she took no responsibility for what was in the house, as this was done by the Infrastructure Department, and she was satisfied that everything had been done "within the confines of laws and regulations".

I am appalled that Mokonyane disregards a basic principle of democracy that voters are entitled to know how their money is spent. There is no way that it is a security risk to know what furniture has been bought and what it cost.

I suspect that this is being covered up because an exorbitant amount was spent on fancy furniture when there was nothing wrong with the previous furniture.

I have put in an application on this matter under the Promotion of Access to Information Act to the Infrastructure Department, so hopefully the truth will be revealed shortly.

Statement by Jack Bloom MPL, DA Gauteng Caucus Leader, November 8 2011

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