Broken promise – building still stands
Boksburg CBD residents have raised their concerns about the failure of the Ekurhuleni Metro Municipality to honour its promise.
During May, last year, the metro promised residents that it would appoint a specialist demolition company to demolish the long-abandoned dilapidated building, in Market Street, Boksburg CBD, up to slab level.
The metro said the appointed company was expected to execute the demolition before November, last year, but that has not happened. The eyesore is still standing and is still a security threat.
Some residents feel that council is not bothered to address this public nuisance.
The dilapidated building had been abandoned for more than two years now, and nearby residents would like to see it torn down.
It was once used as a home for destitute people used by the People Rescue Centre.
Now, the building is occupied by dozens of vagrants, who have made it their home after the former occupants were forcibly evicted by the metro.
Nearby business operators and the police say those staying in the dilapidated building are terrorising people walking along the street at night.
Lieut-Col Khumbulani Ndaba of the Boksburg SAPS also confirmed that since the eviction of the occupants of the building, the property has become a cause of concern.
He adds that nearby residents often complain to the police of criminal behaviour associated with the proximity of the abandoned building.
