Waterland rental matters under scrutiny

Despite several questions posed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) to Polokwane Municipality regarding the payment status of the tenant of the municipal land where the Waterland complex is situated, the authority firmly refuses to indicate whether the tenant that operates the Waterland operation on the land is in good standing.
According to the current lease agreement between the municipality and Tebogo Mphahlele, Managing Director of Plk Chisanyama Business Enterprise that was signed on 29 April 2016, a monthly rental of R31 000 with an annual escalation at consumer price index (CPIX) at the anniversary of the contract and for the full term of the lease of nine years and 11 months is payable.

During the council meeting last Thursday, DA caucus leader Frank Haas repeated the written request that was directed to the Speaker more than a year ago and to which no clear reply has been received as yet, according to Haas. Communications and Marketing Manager of the municipality, Matshidiso Mothapo however confirmed early last year that an electrical supply cable has been installed for the exclusive use of Waterland, the reason being that the existing overhead cable resulted in many power failures. The total cost amounting to R297 362,28 incurred by the municipality was R187 205,91 for materials and stores items, R80 497,06 for labour by a contractor and R29 659,31 for preliminary and general expenses.
Polokwane Observer also attempted to ascertain whether the Waterland account was paid up to date, but was informed by Mothapo that the municipality is not at liberty to disclose information regarding financial arrangements between consumers and the local authority. Attempts to obtain comment from Mphahlele at the telephone number that was provided during contract negotiations, proved futile.
At time of going to print, Haas confirmed that the municipality’s response has not been received as yet.

Story & photos: BARRY VILJOEN
>>barryv.observer@gmail.com