Question NW2287 to the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
25 November 2021 - NW2287
Graham, Ms SJ to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1)Whether, given that her department leases a property from the City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality which houses the Brackendowns Police Station, and given that in 2019 a bus terminus on the specified property burnt down and has not been repaired and, seeing that this structure housed the police reservists that are linked to the Brackendowns Police Station, the cause of the fire at the bus terminus in May 2019 has been established; if not, why not; if so, on what date will the structure be refurbished to allow the police reservists to once again utilise the property;
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
- I have been informed by the Department that the structure that burnt down was not part of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) leased properties. SAPS had made its own arrangements to occupy and utilize the space. The DPWI did not investigate the cause of the fire because it is not leasing nor does it own the structure that burnt down. As this property is not part of the DPWI portfolio, the DPWI will not be refurbishing the property.
- There is an extension of lease in place.
- Payments for the lease are up to date.
(4) DPWI has not received an instruction to purchase the property from SAPS. The decision to purchase the property should originate from SAPS. The current lease is extended to 31 March 2028.