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Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson
Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson says the department has implemented several initiatives to address the issue of government’s vacant land.
The government currently has 1 259 vacant land parcels, 207 unoccupied houses and 830 abandoned farms on its balance sheet.
Last year, the state spent R65 million on rates and taxes on these properties.
The Department of Public Works now intends to lease these properties to the public, with 31 properties ready for lease – scattered across the country – already available for the public.
Macpherson says, “Just on the 31 properties, we estimate that we’re going to generate R10 billion worth of private sector investment, to generate 165 000 jobs – 40 000 jobs just in the construction industry. And to generate R200 million a year for the state.”
