First City workshop auction held
Work is also being done to clear the facility of debris.
The Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Group Corporate and Shared Services in the City of Johannesburg, Councillor Leah Knott, conducted a follow-up visit to the vandalised former City vehicle workshop in Florida on Friday, February 25.
According to a statement released by the City of Johannesburg, she returned to inspect whether progress had been made since the first visit on January 25. This was after Ward 70 councillor Caleb Finn had alerted her to the vandalism of the facility, which was used to store old vehicles and office equipment.
“A former City official is being charged for allowing thieves to strip the facility and vehicles, depriving the City of much-needed funds that were to be raised at auction,” the statement read.
“During the first visit, Councillor Knott committed to working with the relevant stakeholders to ensure that security is beefed up on the premises, that auctioneers would be appointed in March to dispose of the remaining assets, and that the City look into repurposing and developing the facility to add value for the residents.”
On her second visit, it was confirmed that auctioneers had been appointed, and the first auction was held on March 1. Work has also started to clear the facility of debris, and the City can now start planning to find the best future use for the facility.
Councillor Knott expressed her appreciation for the work of Group Forensics and Investigation Services (GFIS) officials who have ensured the reopening of the case against the former City official implicated in theft and vandalism at the facility; the officials who have organised an auctioneer in record time; and for the officials from EMS along with Councillor Finn for working hard to ensure that this matter was resolved swiftly.
