Another empty property in Eersterust frustrates locals
This building in Highlands Park, Eersterust, burned down over a year ago.
Locals were worried about an empty property in the Moot.
The building in Highlands Park, Eersterust, burned down over a year ago, said local CPF chairperson, Henry Godfrey.
“Now the empty building is just standing there and it is an eyesore to the community,” he said.
He said illegal dumpers had also started throwing rubbish into the building.
The building is located opposite the old community hall in Willie Swart Street.
Godfrey said it was not only an eyesore in the community but also a danger to locals.
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“When the place burned down, everything was left just as it was,” he said.
“Now the children of the community have started playing in the empty shell.
“This is very dangerous because the roof of the building could come down at any time.”
Godfrey said there were also other concerns.
Vagrants had also started living in the old community hall, he said.
“How long will it be before they start living in this empty building too?”
In the past the building had been used as a business premises Godfrey added.
Former ward councillor and resident Winston Campbell said the building was an eyesore.
He suggested that it be demolished or secured.
“Something needs to be done to this building because it is impacting the area negatively,” he said.
Because it was private property, not much could be done by the metro.
“It is very sad that this is the future for our residential area – every open field becomes an illegal dumping hot spot and every building left empty is stripped down and becomes a living space for vagrants,” he said.
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“So much more could have been done to beautify these buildings, but they are just left as is.”
There are several similar buildings in Eersterust, said community activist Novina Pillay.
“It’s always the same story,” she said.
“The building or premises is left empty and then criminals invade the place and strip it down until there is nothing left.”
Pillay referred to the old community hall in Hans Coverdale Road and several ablution buildings in fields in the area.
“These buildings soon become a place for vagrants or drug addicts, which becomes a danger to the community,” she said.
“It’s very sad to see how these buildings, most of which are historic, are left just like that.
“They could be renovated and used for much better things that benefit the community,” she added.
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