AB Xuma building has finally resolved the staff turnout, moral and productivity challenges which NDOH has experienced over the years.
As the Department of Health (NDoH) continues to face financial challenges, its partnership with experienced developers with a proven track record in real estate development will be vital to ensuring that the department has buildings so that public sector services can be delivered efficiently.
The department sat down with The Star to discuss the department's renting of properties in response to questions fielded by The Star Team to both the DPWI and NDOH.
The location, visibility, accessibility of the property and open park environment allows the NDOH to undertake its mandates and function effectively and efficiently.
The Department of Health has provided clarification on several questions regarding its lease with Nthwese Developments Hiroworx and its responsibilities related to municipal payments. The department also responded to questions about municipal rates, the leasing process, and the responsibilities of various parties involved in the leasing and maintenance of the department's office space.
In addition DPWI has provided comprehensive written answers to all the questions that were fielded by The Star.
For several years, DoH has not paid municipal rates and taxes directly to the municipality. Instead, payment responsibility was transferred to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), which delegated it to NDoH.
According to the Department, a written confirmation from DPWI allows NDoH to take responsibility for paying municipal services, with the department using this confirmation as supporting documentation in various instances. This responsibility is also extended to various user departments such as the Department of Defence, SAPS, Department of Correctional Service, Department of Home Affairs, etc.
Asked about the impact of load-shedding on the department, the department said they had been billed only for the generator fuel utilised costs even if solar panels had been installed at the building. The costs to maintain and operate the generator is borne by the Hiroworx without any residual to the state.
“Energy disruptions were more frequent. Solar panels were part of the landlord's initiative to augment the building's energy supply, but the generator remained essential to maintain uninterrupted services. Like all alternative energy, reliability is an issue, so generators would often have to be used”
“The department did not contribute financially to the installation of the solar panels. It was a cost borne by the landlord,” the department said.
Nthoese, a company that has received accolades for its real estate development expertise, has become an essential partner in the government's effort to grow its rental portfolio.
Hiroworx and Nthoese Development (its shareholder and managing agent) are level one BBBEE contributors.
Nthoese has received numerous awards and accolades concerning its exceptional development pipeline roll out. Institutions such as SAPOA, SAIBPP, Reader’s Choice Awards, and the City of Johannesburg have accorded their various developments with various recognition awards.
Currently Nthoese has five high impact socio-economic development projects that are on the ground. It is estimated that over 15 000 jobs will be created from this pipeline roll out.
"The headquarters being specifically refurbished to meet the operational needs of the DoH, is a prime example of how strategic partnerships with private sector companies can help government departments overcome budgetary and logistical challenges", the department said.