R400m for president's residences

'Money spent on luxuries for Zuma and his ministers could have been used to build more than 7,000 RDP houses'

GOVERNMENT is spending almost R400-million on renovations to President Jacob Zuma's official residences and his office in Cape Town.

The facelifts have seen Zuma's houses equipped with extra comforts such as steam rooms and refurbished fireplaces and chandeliers.

This was disclosed yesterday by Minister of Public Works Gwen Mahlangu-Nkabinde in a written reply to a parliamentary question.

Asked for a total cost breakdown of the R168-million renovation of Mahlambandlopfu, Zuma's official residence in Pretoria, Mahlangu-Nkabinde said the money had been spent on the restoration and installation of new security and recreation facilities.

The refurbishments include:

- Construction of a sauna and changing facilities,

- Attention to the swimming pool,

- Upgraded security measures that include an escape route,

- Wooden doors and windows,

- Restoration of a fireplace and chandeliers,

- A new electronic security surveillance system, and

- The installation of lights along the pathways and driveways and the installation of fire detection devices.

The minister also revealed that the Bryntirion Cabinet Complex in Pretoria, where ministers and their deputies live when in the capital, is also to undergo renovations likely to cost taxpayers R192-million.

DA parliamentary leader Athol Trollip, who asked the parliamentary question, slammed the renovations, saying the costs incurred by the taxpayer were exorbitant.

He said R400-million spent on luxuries for Zuma and his ministers could have been used to build more than 7,000 RDP houses.

Zuma's spokesman Mac Maharaj could not be reached for comment.