Town will soon bid local ‘eyesore’ farewell

The deteriorating empty Barberton Post Office building, a concern for many residents, will finally be put up for sale soon.

This is according to Cheryl Jute, regional property manager at the South African Post Office.

It will be on sale on public tender, once approval from the minister of communication is received.”We will not be upgrading it or moving into it. The sale list has been finalised for submission to the minister.”

Barberton Times has previously reported on the state of the building.

The local post office is situated in De Villiers Street, and has been empty for a while. It is dirty, shrubs abound and it is being occupied by homeless people.

It is against council health regulations for the premises to be used like this. Some community members fear that it could be used by criminals as a hideout.

According to some residents, the building still has development potential.

Terry Berrington from Barberton/Umjindi Ratepayers Association who also owns Terry’s Tours, believes the building has a negative, impact on the town’s setting. “The infrastructure has fallen into disuse a long time ago and it is not just an eyesore but a health hazard as well.”

“We are trying to attract tourists and this building makes a negative lasting impression to the tourists. It is situated next to historical monuments and in the CBD.

“It is also unfair to those companies that have spent money to improve and give their business premises a facelift.”

This response follows after several attempts by the newspaper and Berrington to contact the Post Office.

“I have attempted to contact the SA Post Office and the CEO on numerous occasions regarding the building.

“A representative from the local municipality informed me that all basic services, rates and taxes are paid regularly on a monthly basis by the post office.

“As much as it is fine for our local council coffers, it is an absolute waste of taxpayers’ money,” Berrington said.