In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and in consultation with the Western Cape Provincial Parliament’s Programming Authority which represents all political parties in the legislature, it has been decided to expedite parliamentary processes to allow for the consideration of the province’s budget by the end of the week.
The DA’s Chief Whip, MPP Mireille Wenger says: “During this extraordinary time of the global corona virus pandemic, government must keep running. All political parties recognise that this is especially in the interests of our poorer communities which rely on essential government services”.
In order to minimise social contact as far as possible, all non-essential meetings and committees have been postponed until 20 April.
MPP Wenger adds: “Public representatives will play their part as we collectively work together to combat the corona virus. For this reason, only committees considering essential legislation will meet. All other meetings are postponed until at least the 20th of April. We will use time in the now declared constituency period to help share vital information with residents and constituents and assist community organisations”.
In order to ensure that budgets can be considered, the DA has withdrawn its request to debate the COVID-19 outbreak. Instead there will be an opportunity for parties to address its effect on the Western Cape in the 2nd reading of appropriation bill debate, which is taking place on Thursday 19 March.
The DA in the Western Cape is committed to following global regulations provided by the President and the World Health Organisation, and will take every measure necessary to protect residents of the province. Now is the time to set aside political differences in the interests of the wellbeing and health of all who live in this province.
