Government says it will demolish old Martin School building

The Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development (DID) plans to demolish the vandalised and abandoned old Martin School building on the corner of Eighth Street and Fifth Avenue, Boksburg North.

Alfred Nhlapo, DID acting spokesperson, said a recent inspection of the property revealed vagrants illegally occupying it.

“The property has been transferred to the Gauteng provincial government,” said Nhlapo.

“Our immediate plan is to demolish the structure. We do not have records that the department was planning to turn the building into a heritage site,” he said.

Ward 22 Clr Madelaine Muller said she was aware of the surrounding community’s concern about the state of affairs at the abandoned building.

“My predecessor was also advocating for the demolishment of the building, but it seems red tape is preventing this from happening.

“As far as I know, they have approved the demolishment because the building is derelict but there are no funds for the work. We know vagrants are illegally living in the building and the structure is not safe,” she said.

Muller added vagrants have been living there for a long time and that the city has to collaborate with the provincial government to find them alternative accommodation.

A resident, who lives near the old school building and who asked to remain anonymous, claimed it has also become a hiding place for criminals.

“Drug lords are using the place to sell drugs, and prostitution is rife. Stolen items have been found in the building after burglaries in the area.

“I have heard people saying the building was to become a heritage site. I don’t see that happening soon because the vagrants destroyed it. The building is also a fire hazard because vagrants make fires inside,” said the resident.

“We escalated the issue to our councillor, but they have not addressed the issue.”

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