The City of Johannesburg has on Tuesday conducted a joint oversight visit to Metro Centre involving the Section 79 Committee, the Department of Development Planning, the Department of Economic Development, and the Joburg Property Company (JPC).
The purpose of the oversight visit was to assess the conditions at Metro Centre following recent videos circulating on social media regarding the state of the building and the storage of important records and plans.
The oversight was led by MMC for Economic Development, Cllr Nomoya Mnisi, as JPC is an entity that reports to the Department of Economic Development. JPC is mandated to manage and develop municipal property assets on behalf of the City of Johannesburg, including Metro Centre as one of the City’s strategic buildings.
Mnisi says Metro Centre remains one of the City’s important assets and houses historical building plans and records dating back to 1910.
“The building was closed in 2023 after structural concerns were identified, along with long-standing maintenance challenges that affected safe occupation,” She said.
During today’s inspection, City leadership raised serious concerns regarding the condition in which files and plans are being stored. Residents and stakeholders depend on access to these records, and the City recognises the need to ensure that all documents are securely stored, properly organised, and accessible when required.
Mnisi instructed officials to urgently develop an action plan to improve filing systems, restore order, and ensure the proper safekeeping of all records.
“Accountability and professionalism in the management of public assets remain non-negotiable,” said Mnisi.
To assist residents who require access to plans and files, an arrangement remains in place between JPC and the Department of Development Planning to allow controlled daily access during designated periods.
To ensure safety and compliance, Council previously resolved to close Metro Centre and pursue refurbishment through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in consultation with National Treasury.
The City, through JPC, is working with the Government Technical Advisory Centre (GTAC), which is facilitating the appointment of a Transaction Advisor to undertake a feasibility study for the Metro Centre project as part of the broader Office Space Optimisation Programme.
The study will assess refurbishment and redevelopment options, including PPP models and alternative financing mechanisms, to determine the most viable way forward while addressing infrastructure and compliance challenges.
This initiative is intended to reduce the City’s dependence on privately rented office accommodation and restore Metro Centre into a fit-for-purpose municipal facility.
To protect the building against vandalism and unlawful access, the following measures remain in place:
- 35 armed security personnel deployed on 12-hour shifts, 24 hours a day;
- A secured perimeter fence around the building; and
- Ongoing cleaning and maintenance by JPC teams.
The City of Johannesburg and JPC remain committed to keeping residents informed on developments regarding Metro Centre. While procurement and regulatory processes continue, the City will not tolerate negligence, disorder, or poor management of public records.
SUPPLIED.
