IN September this year, the PE Express reported on a major issue plaguing the once-bustling Central neighbourhood – a hijacked building at 35 Clyde Street, infamous as a crime den.
This building, a haven for criminals, left the community in fear and frustration for over five years.
Part of a concerning trend, it was just one of more than 100 problem buildings in areas like North End, Richmond Hill, the CBD, and Central, taken over by the homeless. Living conditions were dire, with the stench of waste and a constantly collapsing burnt roof endangering lives, including those of children.
Much-needed relief came when the crime den was finally demolished, an effort brought about by the decisive actions of the Central Special Ratings Area (SRA).
The SRA, an entity funded by the ratepayers of Central through an additional percentage on their rates, took on the financial burden of applying for the demolition permit.
They acted on behalf of the impoverished owner who allowed the demolition but could not bear the cost himself.
Councillor Terri Stander of Ward 5 has been vocal in this battle, leading protests and calling attention to the dire situation at Clyde Street.
The demolition on November 29 was a significant community effort. Stander, alongside Chairperson David Edwards and a dedicated group from the SRA, brought about this necessary change.
In collaboration, individuals such as Hayley Stirk, the SRA’s Operational Manager, along with Kevin Slattery, Chairperson of the Humewood CPF, and Stephen Moore of Citywide, joined forces with local security personnel. This victory is just the beginning, according to Stander. With many buildings still housing criminals and drug schemes across the Metro, the community vows to persevere in its fight against urban blight.
In a related development, the abandoned Beachview Resort, another NMBMM-owned property victim of decay and vandalism, has finally been approved for demolition.
This move comes after years of neglect, with the site becoming a significant safety hazard. As summer approaches and crowds return, the resort will be cordoned off for public safety until demolition procedures, subject to a formal tender process, commence.
This is according to Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality spokesperson, Sithembiso Soyaya. “The NMBM is sourcing quotations from various service providers at this stage and also looking at using the in-house contract. Comparisons will be made and the most cost-effective solution will be used. As contractors are going to be closing for the end of the year, it is envisaged that demolition will only occur at the beginning of the first quarter of 2025. The NMBM will follow the PPP process for the Management of the Resort as per guidance from the National Treasury,” Soyaya added.
Last year, the PE Express reported that while only a skeleton remains of the once-popular Beachview holiday resort in Gqeberha, the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro intended to renovate and re-open the resort.
Stander concluded by saying these recent actions reflect a broader need for continued community advocacy and municipal accountability in tackling problem buildings across the region. By joining hands, the community and active civic groups continue to transform Central and its surrounding areas into safer, thriving places for all residents.
