Moot residents have complained about an old community hall that has become “more and more dilapidated”.
The “historic building” in Hans Coverdale Road belonged to the Tshwane metro but has fallen into a state of disrepair due to negligence that was getting “worse and worse daily”, according to the residents.
“Criminals demolish [strip] the building on a daily basis – the floor and half of the roof are gone,” said Eersterust resident Rodney Gernard.
Gernard said there was no proper supervision over the building.
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“There must be some security measure in place to preserve this historic building,” he said.
He said there were also people sleeping in the building.
“The building is very unhygienic. There is litter in and around and vagrants use the premises as a public bathroom.”
When Rekord visited the building last week, someone could be seen apparently removing the roof, despite having seen people on the premises. The person simply continued his “work”.
Former ward councillor Winston Campbell said the old community hall was erected in the 1960s but due to negligence, it had become dilapidated.
“For 20 years, this building was in a pathetic condition, without anyone taking responsibility for it,” he said.
He said several people in the past have applied to the city council for ownership of the building.
“Nothing came of it.”
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Campbell said the building should be given back to the community.
“This is a heritage site and I would like to see it restored to its full glory where it can be used by the community again,” he said.
Eersterust Action Organisation chairman Ricardo Terry said they have informed the metro about the condition of the building.
However, Terry said that the building should be completely demolished.
“This building has become a danger to the community and the businesses around,” he said.
The Tshwane metro had not commented at the time of going to print.
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