State owes K26m in rent

STATE agencies owe Nambawan Super Ltd about K26.5 million in property-related arrears, according to an official.
This came to light after staff of the health and lands departments were locked out of their offices at the Aopi Centre last Thursday.
It is understood that the departments are among state agencies which owe Nambawan Super K26.5 million in property-related arrears which had accumulated over the years.
Andrew Esler said according to the 2011 audited financial statements, Nambawan Super was owed K26.5 million in outstanding property arrears including rent, electricity, water and sewerage plus interest which had accumulated over a period of time.
“We (Nambawan Super) have been having consultations with the departments and authorities regarding what is owed to us for our properties.
“But we have not been successful, thus the actions we have taken,” he said.
Esler could not confirm the exact figure owed by the two departments.
But sources within the departments put the arrears at K3.7 million (lands) and K5.7 million (health).
The offices of the health and lands departments would be re-opened today after the arrears were paid by the Finance Department yesterday.
Health secretary Pascoe Kase was a relieved man yesterday when Finance Department officials informed him of the payment to Nambawan Super Ltd.
He could not say the amount owed to Nambawan Super.
Eda Ranu is also housed in the same building.
Ashton Brunswick, the real estate firm managing the property, confirmed that staff of both departments were locked out of the offices.
But he declined to comment further and referred all
queries to Nambawan Super Ltd.