A major crime hotspot, health hazard and eyesore in Nelson Mandela Bay is no more after the
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality demolished a severely damaged ablution facility in the parking
area of Shoprite in Kariega.
In December 2021 vagrants illegally occupied the facility and not only vandalised the building, but
also went so far as to set it alight.
Over the past 10 months several efforts have been made to remove the illegal occupants.
Today, 28 October Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor, Retief Odendaal, supervised
municipal officials from the Public Health Directorate as they demolished the facility.
Mayor Odendaal said: “I conducted an oversight inspection at this building on 17 October and
found it in a shocking state. Swift action had to be taken to protect our residents from criminality.
“The illegal occupants were responsible for a surge in crime in the area and the facility had become
an extreme health hazard. Swift action had to be taken to protect our residents from further crime.”
The mayor added that the municipality had no choice but to destroy the building. Additional parking
bays will now be created on the site.
“I would like to thank the MMC for Public Health, Cllr Tshonono Buyeye, and his directorate for the
wonderful and effective job they did in demolishing this site and ensuring the health and safety of
our residents,” said Odendaal.
