The minister says if state properties bring in funds, it will give the department more money to maintain and build schools, hospitals and other infrastructure
Lost your password? Please enter your username or email address. You will receive a link to create a new password via email.Lost your password? Please enter your username or email address. You will receive a link to create a new password via email.eThekwini Metro and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure have signed a memorandum of understanding to “optimise state assets” that have become eyesores and derelict dens of crime.
“This will be the first time in history that any such action is being taken and marks a sharp ideological shift from what has been done in the past. eThekwini is “ripe for infrastructure projects” that could be completed in conjunction with Infrastructure South Africa as grant funding can be leveraged to deliver projects.
“Imagine the former hijacked Excelsior Court in the Berea no longer forcing residents to be hostages in their homes but rather a modern residential development that generates rates for the city and a building that takes pride of place in the community. “We are no longer going to see empty and neglected buildings which attract crime. Instead, we will start to see beautifully maintained public buildings that are utilised by the private or public sector that drives investment and creates jobs,” he said.Xaba said the signing of the MOU was “an important milestone” that gives practical meaning to the government’s district development model demonstrating what can be achieved by working together as “social partners”.
eThekwini metro owns 53 516 properties, covering 90 000 hectares; national public works owns 3 037 properties, over 2 364 hectares and the provincial department owns 12 062 properties on 6 788 hectares. “While, previously, the metro would wait for someone to show interest in the said property, which resulted in us incurring costs in respect of security and its upkeep, the new strategy brought about a dispensation where land is kept for its productive and best use,” Xaba said.
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