Investment bids for Gillooly's Farm to be fast-tracked
Executive Mayor of Ekurhuleni assures that investment bids towards Gillooly’s Farm will be fast-tracked while all legal due processes are fulfilled.
Ward 20 Clr Jill Humphreys has enquired from the City of Ekurhuleni about investment opportunities at Gillooly’s Farm.
Humphreys directed the enquiry to Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza during the dismantling of an illegal billboard on May 11.
She said potential tenants were interested in investing in Gillooly’s Farm, but the process has stalled as it is currently within the supply chain management system and is not progressing further.
ALSO READ: Ekurhuleni finalises new lease process for Gillooly’s Farm
Humphreys added that members of the public enquire daily about possible uses for the park, noting that investors are available but unable to proceed.
In response, the mayor said an Investment Clearing Committee, chaired by the mayor, had been established.
He added, “One of the directives we’ve issued to officials is that we don’t have to take everything through the supply chain process, because it then queues alongside many other supply chain tenders that are already pending.”
He said competent officials within the investment committee must apply a clear framework when evaluating bids.
He added that the evaluation process must be open and transparent, and comply with all the requirements of Section 217 of the Constitution to ensure it withstands audit scrutiny.
ALSO READ: Calls grow to revive Gillooly’s Farm amid neglect and vandalism
“We want the private sector to work with us and for the park to drive the local economy, such as Germiston Lake and other projects that are being made available to the public.
“When we get to the office, we will ensure that the administration is fast-tracked. We will need the leadership of the MMC of Infrastructure and Economic Development to ensure that,” said Xhakaza.
