CAPE TOWN - Parliament is on track to host next year's State of the Nation Address and Budget Speech in its newly rebuilt chambers, more than five years after a devastating fire forced lawmakers to move to alternative venues.
The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) said the reconstruction project is progressing towards its target of having the National Assembly ready for the 2027 SONA and Budget Speech.
The Joint Standing Committee on the Financial Management of Parliament inspected the progress of the reconstruction project.
READ: Parliament fire | Public Works Minister inspects repair work
DBSA Group Executive for Infrastructure Delivery Chuene Ramphele said one of the biggest challenges has been dealing with water flowing beneath the parliamentary precinct.
He said the underground water channelling and waterproofing in the basement was a critical part of the reconstruction.
Ramphele said a stream runs beneath Parliament and the existing system for managing the water had collapsed long before the 2022 fire.
READ: R4,6bn later, Parliament rebuilding to be completed in December
He said repairing the system was essential to prevent further damage to the building.
The reconstruction is expected to cost taxpayers R4.6-billion.
The rebuilt National Assembly will also have a significantly larger public gallery, increasing public access to parliamentary proceedings.
The new chamber will have 1,172 seats, including 600 seats for members of the public.
Ramphele said the design incorporates elements inspired by South Africa's landscape and heritage.
Parliament has been forced to hold major events, including the State of the Nation Address and Budget Speech, at alternative venues since the January 2022 fire.
The latest progress update raises the prospect of lawmakers returning to the precinct for two of the country's biggest annual political events.