Berario Scout hall still in disarray
The community are stepping up to address the neglect of the Berario Scout Hall, now in a state of despair, with displaced individuals taking refuge and making it their home, questions still arise as to what will happen to the hall.
The Berario Scout Hall has become a focal point of concern for the local community and environmental groups due to its prolonged neglect by the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC).
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Andre Aiton, the director of Beagle Watch, said the hall had been in a state of disrepair for about one and a half years, with the roof collapsing more than a year ago.
The hall has become a site of concern, not only due to its physical state but also as a gathering point for displaced individuals utilising resources such as free-running tap water that remains active on the premises.
He described the situation as a ‘disgrace,’ emphasising the lengthy wait for the city to approve demolition plans. “The Beagle Watch Environmental team has been actively involved in clean-up efforts and managing displaced individuals, yet frustrations remain as the JPC has not responded to our communications,” he said.
Andre Swanepoel, from Community Cleaners, said the community had shown a willingness to take action and offered to demolish the hall and clear the rubble at their own expense, but the entity declined the offer. The situation at the hall is a growing frustration within the community.
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Ward 88 councillor Nicolene Jonker added that JPC had sent an order for the building to be demolished to Johannesburg Development Agency and Heritage over a year ago, but no action had been taken. “Delays are likely due to heritage assessments and bureaucratic processes. Meanwhile, the site remains unsafe, attracting criminal activity.”
Jonker added she had escalated the matter multiple times.
“It is like a hot potato; one department blames the other. Furthermore, the site poses a safety risk due to its deteriorating condition and ongoing criminal activity. I am pushing for increased monitoring by security companies and proper site security while awaiting demolition.”
The voices of the community reflect a desire not only for improved service delivery but also for a collaborative approach to managing local resources and facilities.
The Northcliff Melville Times sent questions to the JPC spokesperson for comment on the issue, but none was forthcoming by the time of publishing.
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