R4.4 million owing from Gauteng state houses
An amount of R4,4 million in rent is still outstanding from 753 state-owned properties in Gauteng.
This was revealed by Gauteng Infrastructure Development MEC Bheki Nkosi in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature in response to questions by DA MPL Patricia Mokgohlwa.
According to Nkosi, about R8,5 million out of R12,9 million owing has so far been collected.
“Rentals as low as R500 per month have been reported, and many of these residents are allegedly friends and family of state officials.
“The Department is losing a lot of money as these rates are far below market value and it is disturbing that a large number of tenants have not even signed lease agreements.
“The monitoring mechanisms in place to collect revenue are also extremely confusing. Many people are still receiving statements in the wrong name, ” said Mokgohlwa.
The MEC said that a legal team has been engaged in the process of evicting tenants. “This is far too slow – it has been going on for months,” said Mokgohlwa.
“Tenants who have failed to pay rent need to be disciplined and evicted.
“Government needs to sell these properties as it is not in the real estate business,” concluded Mokgohlwa.
'Cheap rentals for friends and family'
R4.4 million owing from Gauteng state houses
An amount of R4,4 million in rent is still outstanding from 753 state-owned properties in Gauteng.
This was revealed by Gauteng Infrastructure Development MEC Bheki Nkosi in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature in response to questions by DA MPL Patricia Mokgohlwa.
According to Nkosi, about R8,5 million out of R12,9 million owing has so far been collected.
“Rentals as low as R500 per month have been reported, and many of these residents are allegedly friends and family of state officials.
“The Department is losing a lot of money as these rates are far below market value and it is disturbing that a large number of tenants have not even signed lease agreements.
“The monitoring mechanisms in place to collect revenue are also extremely confusing. Many people are still receiving statements in the wrong name, ” said Mokgohlwa.
The MEC said that a legal team has been engaged in the process of evicting tenants. “This is far too slow – it has been going on for months,” said Mokgohlwa.
“Tenants who have failed to pay rent need to be disciplined and evicted.
“Government needs to sell these properties as it is not in the real estate business,” concluded Mokgohlwa.
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