The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure says it needs close to R14 billion to keep all the government buildings in its portfolio well-maintained and in running order (ie, accommodation charges) – but it is only getting R5.7 billion from the budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This means there is an R8.3 billion shortfall in accommodation charges – with no reversal of this trend expected in the next three years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the department’s presentation to parliament’s portfolio committee on Tuesday (5 March), it expects to see a budget shortfall of R25 billion over the next three financial years<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “As a result of the shortfall, the entity in most cases cannot deliver the basic services required, backlog maintenance cannot be performed, and future refurbishments cannot be executed,” said the DPWI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “This all leads to further deterioration of the buildings, which will lead to the need for more capital injection.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking across the department’s portfolio of buildings, it currently oversees 56,393 buildings covering nearly 17 million square metres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The South African Police Service (SAPS), Defence Department, Justice Department and correctional services account for 91% of both the count and size of the properties under billing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Understandably, it is also these departments which account for the most significant shortfalls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n