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A year after Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and the MEC for Infrastructure Development, Jacob Mamabolo, announced an investigation into the Gauteng Provincial Government leasing 11 buildings for R34 million a month for government departments, the results of this investigation are still to be seen.

The 30 June deadline for the conclusion of the investigation has passed, yet there is still no outcome.

Premier Lesufi revealed this information in a written reply to the Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng’s questions tabled in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL).

According to Premier Lesufi, the investigation into the leasing of the buildings is delayed. This is not an explanation but an excuse that is keeping residents of Gauteng in the dark.

It is unacceptable that taxpayers' money is being wasted on these leases while 41 government buildings stand abandoned in the Johannesburg CBD. While fixing abandoned buildings is not something that will happen overnight, fixing one building at a time will reduce the cost of leasing buildings.

The DA Gauteng will submit follow-up questions to determine when the investigation will be concluded, the reasons for its delays, and the impact these delays have on taxpayers.

Residents deserve a government that ensures that every rand and cent is spent responsibly.

A DA Gauteng provincial-led government would prioritise the repair and maintenance of the abandoned government-owned buildings. Furthermore, we will partner with the private sector to accelerate this process and create a live dashboard for residents to monitor progress.

Issued by Khathutshelo Rasilingwane MPL - DA Gauteng Spokesperson for Infrastructure Development