The decision was prompted partly after the Department of Public Works’ Immovable Asset Register was reconstructed and completed in April and showed that the government had in excess of R75-billion worth of land parcels and buildings.
The 240 properties – previously occupied by government workers, including policemen – are being leased in a bid to generate income and offset rates and services costs.
Thousands of public servants had been living in state owned properties and paying non market-related rent of between R900 and R1 500 a month, excluding services.
“This decision is in line with our mandate under its Property Management Trading Entity of ensuring optimum utilisation of properties in the department’s custodianship,” department spokesman Thami Mchunu said.
