MyPE

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Challenge to ‘This Man is No Slumlord’ Writer

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THE letter to The Herald headed “Denton project a real labour of love which will benefit the city” (February 15) cannot remain unchallenged.

If Mr Ben Nyaumwe, managing director of Auspex Property, had lived in Port Elizabeth for the past eight years, he would surely not have penned such a glowing tribute to the man dubbed by the media as the “Irish property tycoon”.

He claims that Denton bought buildings no-one else wanted, “recognizing what we all had discarded as a valuable part of our heritage”.

When was our major architectural icon – the Donkin Street terrace of protected buildings – discarded, and by whom? When Denton purchased this heritage treasure from the late Dr Nick Woolff, they were in pristine condition. Under Denton’s ownership, they have become an environmental eye-sore and a slum of major proportions.

When was Victoria House, Port Elizabeth’s the oldest residence on the corner of Wasley Street and Constitution Hill, discarded, and by whom? Built in 1834, this irreplaceable bit of built history was in superb condition when Denton took it over. Now a total wreck, it stands as one of many monuments to his negligence.

As does Canterbury House, built in 1837 in Constitution Hill. Under Denton’s ownership, this once magnificent building with its yellow-wood floors, deteriorated shockingly and ended up in flames – one of seven Denton buildings that have gone up in smoke, and never been repaired or renovated.

Denton has illegally changed the appearance of the Post Office complex in Baakens Street, and there are at least three properties he owns on which renovation work was started, but never completed.

If Mr Nyaumwe believes that “this man is no slumlord”, I will find time in an extremely busy schedule of council activities to take him on a tour of historic areas which Denton has, single-handedly, turned into major slums – practically within spitting distance of the City Hall – apparently with the blessing of the local authority.

Terry Herbst
DA Councillor

What Happened? From being hailed the saviour of Central to being villified 10 years later!

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.