Residents clean up around abandoned building in Boksburg North
Community members believe that the abandoned building is contributing to crime, drug abuse, and break-ins.
The community clean-up around the abandoned old Martin School building on the corner of Fifth Street and Eighth Avenue, Boksburg North, on 1 March was a success.
Volunteers picked up litter and cut the grass, among other things.
One of the volunteers was even seen carrying the back of a television that had been lying outside the building.
The Boksburg Advertiser previously reported that the clean-up is part of an initiative born from residents’ shared concerns about the safety, cleanliness, and overall well-being of the neighbourhood.
“This abandoned building has been the cause of crime, drug abuse, and break-ins. We hope that the relevant authorities see we are cleaning up the building and demolish it. People who walk past it get robbed, and others get hurt when they try to go inside,” said one of the organisers, Huey Manuel.
Manuel described the initiative as a great success.
“However, we do plead with the community to provide more support in future endeavours, as this was just the first of many operations to try and make Boksburg North a clean and safe area for all its residents.”
The organiser expressed his gratitude to all the sponsors, including Rainbow Mica, MF Auto Body, JJ Supply and Service, Rob and Sons, and Merc Care.
“We are truly grateful to them and all the volunteers for making this project a huge success.”
Also Read: Market Street’s abandoned building a haven for the homeless
