Pretoria North residents demand decisive action to address deserted buildings
Residents indicate that the old Pigeon Club building has been completely vandalised and is currently being used by individuals engaging in illegal activities.
In recent months, Pretoria North residents have expressed growing concern over abandoned buildings in their community.
Their concern arose particularly at the old Pigeon Club near the Noordelikes Rugby Club in Wolmer.
This dilapidated structure has allegedly become a haven for illegal activities and a source of anxiety for locals.
Community members are calling on the Tshwane metro to take decisive action to remove such abandoned properties and restore safety to their neighbourhoods.
The Pigeon Club, once a vibrant gathering place, now stands as a stark reminder of neglect.
Residents indicate that the building has been completely vandalised and is currently being used by people engaging in illegal activities.
The situation has prompted urgent discussions among the local ward councillor and residents about the need for immediate intervention.
During a site visit, Ward 2 councillor Quentin Meyer highlighted the crucial nature of the issue.
“We agreed that this place needs to be demolished,” said Meyer.
Community members have voiced their frustrations about the abandoned buildings, noting that they attract squatters and contribute to an increase in crime.
“It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about safety and security for our families.
“These buildings invite the wrong people into our neighbourhoods, and it’s time the metro takes responsibility,” said resident Johan Pienaar.
The metro has responded to these concerns by acknowledging the issues presented by abandoned properties.
While it claimed not to be aware of any hijacked buildings in Pretoria North, the recognition of the Pigeon Club’s deteriorating condition signals a shift in perspective.
Meyer said the metro plans to address not only the Pigeon Club but other problematic areas in Ward 2 as well.
The community is hopeful that these discussions will lead to tangible solutions.
Security concerns surrounding abandoned buildings have also been raised.
Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said any matter relating to security will be the responsibility of the metro police.
“The city is not aware of buildings that are being hijacked in Pretoria North. The Pigeon Club building is an old, dilapidated building that is not in use.
“The community will certainly be engaged in any instances where the city plans on demolishing properties through ward councillors and various media platforms available to the city,” he said.
Mashigo added that the metro has an illegal land invasion unit within the metro police department dedicated to the prevention of illegal invasion of land properties.
“The building in question belongs to the city and demolition processes are complied with whenever there is a need to demolish any city properties to avoid legal challenges that might arise.
“There is no plan to demolish buildings in Region 1 which Pretoria North falls under and therefore there is no impact assessment that has been made.”
However, residents are anxious for concrete action and assurances that measures will be taken to prevent illegal activities from re-emerging once buildings are cleared.
Many have witnessed first-hand the slow response to the encroachment of illegal activities in their neighbourhoods.
“We need more than just promises; we need action,” said Pienaar.
“If the metro cares about our safety, they need to act to demolish these abandoned buildings and prevent future occupation.”
Meyer said many places in Ward 2 have been taken over by the wrong people and such issues need to be addressed.
“We will take action to either demolish or recover these properties.
“I want to assure residents that we are taking this situation very seriously and we are paying close attention to places that have been taken over and used for the wrong purposes.”
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