BOIPATONG.- Popular ‘chilling’ spot, 9EightEight Carwash and Shisanyama in Boipatong temporarily closed its doors this week.

This is after Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and Infrastructure Development, Jacob Mamabolo, called on the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) to investigate an alleged irregular lease of council property.

Mamabolo, it is said expressed grave concern following reports of the alleged irregular leasing of approximately 2,895 m² of municipal land to private individuals, who established the pub on the site.

Theo Nkonki, Spokesperson for Gauteng MEC for Infrastructure Development and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs said that Mamabolo has written to the municipality requesting that Council investigates the matter and submits a report within 30 days.

The investigation should determine if the property was leased legally

“In the terms of reference, the investigation should determine whether the property was leased at market value and whether due process was followed,” said Mamabolo.

 It is alleged that the property was leased for a period of three years at R3,000.00 per month.

Meanwhile the management of the popular 9EightEight Carwash and Shisanyama issued a statement and said that it entered the lease “unequivocally” through formal Emfuleni Local Municipality channels and has met all contractual obligations.

” We have turned the site into a thriving business”

“The property in question, prior to our occupancy, did not hold the commercial value or utility it possesses today. Our significant contribution has turned the site into a thriving business that contributes to the local economy, providing jobs, and hight-quality service to the community.”

The management, in the statement, welcomed the review to prove operations are within the existing agreements.