The demolition of a hijacked building and crime hotspot at 35 Clyde Street, Central was applauded as a major step towards addressing problem buildings.
Next to an ominous opening where the door used to be to a quaint historic building, the words: “Knock here. 24/7,” invited clientele to illicit enterprises at the dilapidated structure.
This door to their murky world has now been firmly shut early today when Stu Davidson Plant Hire and Demolition started their work at the crack of dawn.
Deputy Executive Mayor Gary van Niekerk, the then Executive Mayor, was alerted about the crime den at 35 Clyde Street, Central during a visit to a CCTV control room of a private security company in November last year.
“I signed a memorandum to fast-track the demolition of this eyesore that used to be a historic gem occupied by the Community Chest.
“The owner was tracked down and encouraged to apply for a demolition certificate. He did and we got municipal officials around the table to ensure that the process is fast-tracked to demolish the building.
“We only lacked a budget to get the job done. This conundrum was solved at the launch of the Mandela Bay Development Agency’s CCTV control room launch earlier this month.
“We discussed this matter with a representative of the Central Special Rating Area and an agreement was reached. This resulted in Stu Davidson & Sons agreeing to demolish the building at a reduced cost as part of their corporate social investment portfolio.
“The SRA will therefore only have to pay for a third of the cost. We are excited that this initiative will bring immediate relief for the residents of that street as a major crime hotspot has now been removed,” Deputy Executive Mayor Gary van Niekerk said.
Residents applauded the initiative and said that they will now be able to move freely at night and not be concerned about thugs robbing and attacking them from that site.
In November 2021, four people were killed and five wounded during a shootout at this address.
NMB Communications
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