KNYSNA NEWS - The owners of the Knysna Mall, Grey Elephant Investments (GEI), have issued a statement to Knysna Plett Herald (KPH) highlighting what they claim to be inaccuracies contained in our report in which Ward 9 councillor for Knysna, Sharon Sabbagh of the DA, questions the readiness of the Knysna Mall to accommodate municipal departments relocating to the mall.
The article was published in the KPH of 25 April and online.
KPH has requested a copy of the lease agreement from the Knysna Municipality, but the request has been denied, although it falls in the "domain of public documents", as stated by Mr Neil Lurie of Grey Elephant Investments himself.
The municipality advised KPH that it would need to submit an application under the terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) to the municipality's legal department in order to obtain a copy of the lease agreement. Councillor Sabbagh has informed KPH that her request for a copy of the lease has also been denied.
Municipal Spokesperson Christopher Bezuidenhout did not provide a reason for the refusal.
The following statement from Grey Elephant Investments, issued yesterday, 1 May at 15:00, is published verbatim.
The GEI statement:
Grey Elephant Investments would like to bring to your attention certain inaccuracies present in the article titled 'Knysna Municipality Move Not Without Headwinds' authored by Chris van Gass. While Grey Elephant Investments appreciate the effort to cover local matters, it's imperative to ensure accuracy and fairness in reporting for the benefit of all stakeholders.
First and foremost, Grey Elephant Investments would like to clarify that there have been no issues raised by the building inspectorate, regarding health and safety elements of the building.
Our plans have been duly approved by the building control department.
Furthermore the storage areas, parking bays, toilets and fire escapes are all built in the positions as depicted on the approved plans. Any assertion by Ms Sabbagh to the contrary is simply untrue.
It is important to note that compliance certificates for electrical, plumbing and fire detection have been duly handed to the building control officer. The insinuation by Ms Sabbagh suggesting otherwise is inaccurate and misleading.
Regarding parking bay allocation and other related commercial matters, it is essential to clarify that these decisions are made in accordance with town planning regulations and standard retail property operating practices and do not require external input.
The shareholders are experienced property asset managers. Any suggestion otherwise is unfounded and unnecessary.
Additionally, statements regarding the placement of "containers" and the readiness of cabling are misrepresentations of the current situation. Grey Elephant Investments assure you that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure the timely completion and compliance of the project.
Lastly, Grey Elephant Investments would like to address the assertion made regarding its outstanding municipal bill and the quantum thereof. It is important to emphasise that a proposal to settle the dispute was made on 23 July 2023, which was accepted unanimously by all councillors in a council meeting on 31 July 2023.
The municipality engaged the services of a Technical Advisor from National Treasury to thoroughly examine the matter and provided an impartial assessment, this has been concluded. The matter has been legally finalised.
In conclusion, Grey Elephant Investments urge for a commitment to accuracy and fairness in reporting, as it is essential for maintaining the integrity of journalism and fostering informed public discourse. Ms Sabbagh has admitted that she does not have a copy of the lease, yet she comments on the terms of the lease in the public domain.
This is also relevant to the settlement of our rates dispute, it is clear that she has not had sight of or asked for any of the workings and correspondence which has led to the finalisation of the matter.
Ms Sabbagh will be served with papers shortly regarding her defamatory campaign. Grey Elephant Investments was not provided with a right of reply or comment, which is fundamental to journalistic ethics. Grey Elephant Investments would appreciate the opportunity to provide further clarification or context on any matters related to our project in future articles.
Please address the factual inaccuracies promptly by correcting them in your upcoming publication as well as online urgently.
As a responsible business, Grey Elephant Investments is proud to provide the municipality with excellent office space that supports the delivery of uninterrupted services to its citizens.
Grey Elephant Investments is honoured to manage the Knysna Mall and glad to be associated with this vibrant community.
(Statement ends)
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