Kariega’s abandoned petrol station finally demolished after years

KARIEGA – The long-abandoned Quest petrol station at the old entrance to Kariega on Graaff-Reinet Road has been demolished.

UD Express previously reported that the derelict building had been identified as a problem structure following complaints from residents regarding safety and security concerns. The petrol station, which had been dormant for several years, was situated at one of the main entrances to the town and had become vandalised and frequently occupied by squatters.

At the time, Ward 51 councillor Roelf Basson confirmed that the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality had declared the privately owned building a problem building, subject to consideration by the Problem Buildings Committee based in Gqeberha. He further indicated that the municipal building inspector had issued notices to the owner to rectify the condition of the site or demolish the structure.

According to Basson, the removal of petrol tanks had left deep holes that filled with water, creating safety risks on the unsecured property.

Concerns were also raised about criminal activity in the surrounding area, with monitoring conducted by SAPS and the neighbourhood watch.

The demolition process followed the issuing of a demolition certificate to the current owner. Basson confirmed that the certificate was approved and that the structure has since been demolished.

The removal of the building has changed the physical condition of the site at the entrance to Kariega, bringing to a close a process that spanned several years of municipal engagement regarding the abandoned property.