The Department of Public Works has responded with its plans for the unoccupied property causing discomfort in Constantia Kloof.
The Department’s spokesperson, Thami Mchunu, indicated to the Northsider that the entity was planning to lease out the property privately.
Read the initial article here:
https://roodepoortnorthsider.co.za/292120/public-works-property-woes-in-constantia-kloof/
“The property is currently in the process of being leased out privately, as an approval to lease out the property was granted in this regard. The lease process is under way; however, there are issues regarding electricity and water,” Mchunu explained, further indicating that this was the Department’s short-term plan for a period of three to five years with a view to generating revenue under the Property Management Trading Entity.
Mchunu added that permanent disposal plans are not in place as yet.
This property, 689 Bushbuck Avenue, has caused much distress to the neighbouring residents who are unhappy with its shabby condition. The property is under guard by private security and its likely to be the only property without water and electricity in the area. Ward 89 councillor, Amelia Bester, attributed the termination of services due to massive municipal arrears.
Mchunu admitted that the property was without services; however, he blamed the City for incorrect billing. “The property is currently without services due to the municipality charging estimates which resulted in the property having a huge account balance. The water and electricity meters are dysfunctional. The property payments section is working with the municipality to reverse the estimates charged on water and electricity on a monthly basis, even without any consumption of such services,” he clarified.
