/ 26 June 2015

Managing property for the people

Renovations underway at a government residential development
Renovations underway at a government residential development

The ANC government remains committed to the management of the Gauteng property portfolio in a manner that serves the people of Gauteng to enhance socioeconomic development, Gauteng MEC for Infrastructure Development Nandi Mayathula-Khoza said on Tuesday during her budget speech. 

“The premier has delegated us the responsibility of being the custodian of all the property owned by the Gauteng government. However, various departments retain the responsibility for the use of these properties.

“The department is at an advanced stage in completing the Gauteng Provincial Government Immovable Asset Register and it has, to date, verified 49 405 assets. It will continue with the ownership rectification of government properties and this work will result in improved and proactive utilisation of assets and reduce losses and wastage. It will also increase effective management of assets to deliver infrastructure objectives such as optimising revenue generation and socioeconomic benefits. 

“We now have a draft strategy on property management which will be soon presented to the executive council for approval. The strategy will recommend, among other things, the establishment of a property management agency that will assist the department to optimise the economic value of the Gauteng government’s property portfolio. 

“This year we shall join the national department of public works in an operation to bring back stolen properties. We will also have to improve our concerted effort to roll out market-related rentals.”