It is found, determined, and declared that the creation of the authority and the carrying out of its corporate purposes are in all respects for the benefit of the people of this state and constitute a public purpose and that the authority will be performing an essential governmental function in the exercise of the powers conferred upon it by this part. The State of Georgia covenants that the authority shall be required to pay no taxes or assessments upon any of the property under its jurisdiction, control, possession, or supervision, or upon its activities in the operation or maintenance of the facilities erected, maintained, or acquired by it or any fees, rentals, or other charges for the use of such facilities or other income received by the authority. The exemption from taxation shall include exemptions from sales and use taxes on property purchased by the authority or for use by the authority. However, in no event shall the exemptions granted in this Code section extend to any lessee or other private persons or entity.