Brace yourselves to start paying for utilities...

Date: Tuesday, October 04, 2022

Head of Department has proposed the appointment of qualified Facility Managers as caretakers for the properties. Approximately 37 current tenants with valid lease agreements residing at either of the three government-owned flats in Golfview, Mahikeng could be in for a shock as government contemplates billing them for water and electricity they consume.

The department has to date, been footing the bills paying for utilities arising from: Bontle Flats (22 units), Blue and White Flats (7 units) and Park City Flats (8 units).  This privilege, excludes tenants residing government-owned stand-alone houses. The department allocates, renovates and also carry out maintenance work at the three flats over and above the provision of private security.

The complexes are predominately occupied by Senior and Middle Managers in the North West Public Service. Now the department is in the process of seriously considering changing the status quo to also get tenants pay for service rendered and consumed.

Weighing in on this new development, Head of Department, Moses Kgantsi said government was also on a rigorous campaign to encourage people to pay services rendered and consumed. About a year ago, the Executive Committee (Exco) of the province passed a resolution that tenants of these flats, as well as house pay market-related related rentals.

The Department has implemented that resolution calling on tenants to sign new lease agreements and also adjust the rental payments but that excluded payment of utilities. Kgantsi said the department has to appoint qualified Facility Managers who will also be expected to enhance revenue collection and manage the leases at the said properties.   
                                                                                            
Chief Directorate Facilities Management has not ruled out the possibility of introducing as a temporary measure, a pro-rata payment of utilities for tenants of the three residential complexes.
This will take effect while the department begins an application for Sectional Titles for the three flats.
Once approved, it will assist the department bill individual tenants for water and electricity consumption. 

 

 Ends