Pilgrims Rest tenants issued with notices

4 Jul 2012

The Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport in Mpumalanga served 17 tenants in Pilgrims Rest with one month notices to vacate the buildings after their leases have expired.

The department advertised the leasing of the buildings on tender bulletin in October 2011 and the closing date was November 2011. The leases of all businesses which were on tender had expired. The whole tender process was finalised in June 2012 as the process allowed for a 90 day validity period with an allowance of extension when there is a need. 

The whole process was extended because during the bid evaluation process the department had to check amongst others, whether all applicants complied with the Public Finance Management Act (PMFA), Preference Procurement Preferential Frame Act (PPPFA) and tender specifications 

Before the tender process started, the department held consultative meetings with the Pilgrims Rest Business Chamber and the councillor on 19 September 2011 and on 6 March 2012. The purpose of the meetings was to discuss amongst others the management of the town and the issue of business leases in Pilgrims Rest. 

The Pilgrims Rest Business Chamber represented by Mr Marius Brummer was informed that the department will advertise the leasing of the buildings as mandated by the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and that business people will have to bid for the leasing of the buildings. The tender process has been finalised and successful bidders will be published in the provincial tender bulletin. It is anticipate that the new lease agreements will commence on 1 August 2012.

The department has a mandate to provide, manage and maintain Pilgrims Rest which was declared a Heritage Site. It is also responsible for the management of the town, billing on water; electricity, refuse removal, management of businesses and lease agreements. A budget of more than four (4) million rand has been set aside for day to day maintenance of the town during this financial year.

Statement issued by David Nkambule, Mpumalanga Public Works, Roads and Transport, July 4 2012

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