National Treasury is relocating from its historic headquarters due to health hazards

WATER leaks and malfunctioning air conditioning systems are just some of the issues that National Treasury staff have long complained about leading to workers including Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana and his team having to vacate the historic 40 Church Square head office.

The department will now be moving to the Public Investment Corporation (PIC)-owned Riverwalk Office Park in Ashlea Gardens, Tshwane in December.

Plans presented to representatives of Treasury staff last week show that as part of records clean-up all documents at 40 Church Square will be archived and/or disposed of before the move as this aligns with reducing the need for physical storage in the new offices.

The lease agreement between the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) and the PIC has been finalised and signed, with the occupation date of December 1 confirmed.

According to the relocation plan, Treasury is finalising logistics to provide a shuttle service between 40 Church Square and the Riverwalk Office Park. Staff were also informed that they will be working in open-plan offices, with meeting pods and collaboration zones.

The building will also have a gym, wellness area, moms and babies room and prayer room. Still to be concluded is the acquisition of a new day-to-day maintenance service provider, which is on hold pending clarification of responsibilities between Treasury and the DPWI at the new building.

Treasury has undertaken to conclude the tender for cleaning services by December 20 after it was delayed but will now include both blocks at the Riverwalk Office Park.

In addition, an upcoming tender for a long-term hygiene and hospitality services contract will also include the Riverwalk Office Park, according to the presentation.

Responding to parliamentary questions from EFF MP and national chairperson Nontando Nolutshungu, Godongwana said Treasury would also be vacating another building at 240 Madiba Street in the capital city due to significant building decay and infrastructural challenges which posed serious health and safety risks for staff and operations.

He stated that 40 Church Square is state-owned and forms part of the National Treasury’s long-term accommodation strategy.

"The intention is to refurbish and retain it as a heritage finance building, given its historic and strategic value," Godongwana explained.

He added that the rental cost under the former lease for 240 Madiba Street was about R6.8 million per month while for 40 Church Square it is R2.62m per quarter.

"An assessment was conducted on the condition and potential refurbishment of 40 Church Square. As a result, the building is to be retained and refurbished, with plans aligned to preserve its heritage status and ensure it remains functional within the National Treasury’s accommodation portfolio," said Godongwana.

Cape Times