Community leaders in Woodstock welcomed the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa’s (Prasa) commitment to demolish derelict buildings on Railway Avenue and Tide Street but said they needed time frames for the actual demolition.
The buildings, which have been an eyesore in the community for many years, have become a well-known crime hub.
Continuous pleas have been made by the community to Prasa to destroy the buildings as previously reported.
Now it looks as if there may finally be some light at the end of the tunnel.
According to Zinobulali Mihi, Prasa’s marketing and communications officer, the agency is constantly engaging with all the relevant stakeholders regarding the situation. She said the demolition plans are in motion, but could not provide the time frames.
“These engagements include the City of Cape Town, the relevant subcouncil and the ward councillor of the area. The process for the demolition of the properties in question is already underway and meets our priority to have these buildings demolished as soon as is reasonably possible.
“Operational security and clean-up plans are in place to secure the area and maintain a physical presence to prevent further vandalism and unlawful occupation of these dilapidated buildings.”
Rob Marshall, U-Watch secretary, said while his group is relieved that their pleas are finally heard, it will “celebrate” once the plans materialise. “This is progress, but we will celebrate when the building is actually demolished.
Marshall said clear guidelines are needed on plans for all the Prasa-owned buildings in the area. “Prasa-owned land in Woodstock is an issue. The agency said it had plans to lease the land. We want to know what the plans are for the site. By demolishing the building you don’t remove the problem; you just move it to the next problem area. There are plenty of abandoned buildings there. The area needs to be fully rehabilitated and turned into something positive.”
According to Mihi, the precinct has been earmarked for “further development”.
“It was advertised in the open market through the call for development proposals, which is also known as the Request for Proposals (RFP). The RFP process is well underway.”
She added that dilapidated buildings are a “national challenge”.
“Pro-active engagements have commenced in the Western Cape region with all the relevant role-players in addressing these challenges. Where applications are received to lease these abandoned and dilapidated buildings, the applications are serviced accordingly in the context of the area and the lease proposal of the applicant.”
According to Ian McMahon, Ward 115 councillor, crime-related incidences have decreased since security has been beefed up there.
“In December last year, we gave them the use of an office in our Woodstock drop-off Centre for their security to be stationed there. They did a major clean-out of the buildings a while ago.
“I was there as well. And since then it’s a lot better. We are glad Prasa has come to the table and are slowly moving forward to have the site cleared, which ties in with plans to dispose of the site for new development,” he concludes.
