The division of public works and infrastructure has recognized 24 state-owned properties, collectively valued at greater than R122 million, throughout South Africa, to be launched for requests for proposals from private and non-private entities.
This comes after the division’s minister, Dean Macpherson, KwaZulu-Natal MEC Martin Meyer and eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba signed a memorandum of understanding in Durban final month committing to make use of public property for the general public good.
The discharge of the 24 properties for potential refurbishment and new makes use of for the land marks a shift for the division, which beforehand retained high-value properties that not served any objective, a lot of which stand unused and dilapidated. In some instances, they’ve been hijacked.
The division has launched a doc itemizing the properties. Amongst them are the outdated police barracks Excelsior Courtroom in Durban, the Venda Presidential Home in Polokwane, the previous dwelling affairs constructing in Pretoria, Ramelna Courtroom Flats in Bloemfontein and 104 Darling Road in Cape City.
The entire municipal valuations of 16 of the listed properties quantities to simply over R122.6 million, whereas eight of the properties should not have their municipal values included.
In line with the division, members of the private and non-private entities have till 13 March subsequent 12 months “to make proposals on how these properties can be utilized to make sure that they contribute to the general public good, assist ignite job creation and add worth to their communities”.
The division will consider these to think about that are possible earlier than transferring forward with the subsequent step, which may embrace granting long-term leases, getting into into public-private partnerships or promoting the properties.
Macpherson mentioned the discharge of the listing marked a “milestone” for the division.
“We’ll make good on our promise to ask personal and public roleplayers on this scale to deliver us proposals on how these properties may be utilised in direction of actually benefiting the individuals of South Africa, both by way of repurposing or redevelopment,” he mentioned.
“Which means, the place possible, the state could accomplice with the personal sector to make sure that properties contribute to financial progress and job creation. We consider these properties will entice important funding and jobs by way of their redevelopment.
Macpherson mentioned the choice signalled a shift from hanging on to properties, regardless of them serving no objective.
“By working along with the municipality and the provincial authorities, we’re charting a brand new course for the way state-owned properties may be utilised to serve the individuals of South Africa.”
Relying on the success of the present request for proposals course of, further properties shall be thought-about for launch as a part of the programme.
The eThekwini municipality and the KwaZulu-Natal division of public works and infrastructure are following related processes of releasing unused properties they personal for private and non-private sector proposals.
The tender paperwork may be accessed right here.