Question NW1313 to the Minister of Public Works
05 June 2017 - NW1313
Kopane, Ms SP to ask the Minister of Public Works
(1) Whether his department leases any properties to non-governmental tenants; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) how many properties, (b) to whom are the properties leased and (c) in which (i) municipalities and (ii) provinces are the properties situated in each case; (2) whether lease agreements were signed for the leasing of the specified properties; if not, why not; if so, (a) what amount does each non-governmental tenant pay in each month and (b) what are the further relevant details
Reply:
1. Yes, there are properties that are let out to non-governmental tenants.
(a) As at 31March 2017, there were 1175 surplus properties let to non-governmental tenants;
(b) These properties are leased to non-governmental tenants such as churches, private individuals, companies, not for profit organisations, etc.
(c) These properties are spread across the country in all provinces and various municipalities (refer to attached annexure A).
2. Lease agreements were signed with these tenants. However, there are instances where the lease agreements have since expired and are in the process of being renewed.
The department embarked on Operation Bring Back (OBB) specifically to ensure all properties of state are accounted for and utilised appropriately. The department has a team which is visiting all properties to ensure they are secured, and any illegal occupants engaged and that all leases are regularised. For vacant properties, and expired leases, the department advertised these properties to ensure that we achieve legal occupation speedily, not all the expired leases have been renewed, as this is an ongoing process.
The rental amounts vary for each property as per the attached annexure.
(a) Further details with respect to the leased properties are as per the attached annexure.