The Ekurhuleni Metro should no longer spend tax money on leasing private buildings while its own are standing vacant.
According to a report by the Metro’s Department of Infrastructure and Strategic Planning, which was tabled to the Council, the Metro is spending more than R1,4 million per month (excluding VAT) on leasing office spaces.
The FF Plus, consequently, requested the Metro to submit an audit report to the Council outlining the private properties leased by the Metro and reasons why its own properties are not being used.
The Ekurhuleni Metro’s asset register was last updated more than a decade ago and, therefore, it is important to establish how much council property is currently vacant, neglected and vulnerable to vandalism.
The old Brakpan Library is a shining example of a Metro-owned property which was standing vacant, looted and later destroyed in a fire.
The Library, which had been standing vacant for the past seven years, was first earmarked as office space for the Ekurhuleni Metro Police, but it never realised.
The applications by private institutions interested in leasing the building were also unsuccessful.
The building could have generated an income for the Metro, but now it has been destroyed. Besides, it will cost the Metro millions to repair it.
The Ekurhuleni Metro is already under immense financial pressure and simply cannot afford to lease office space while its own buildings are being neglected or standing vacant. The Metro can generate a much-needed income from the vacant buildings.
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