Which building or facility in Kariega will be ruined next?
Some of the public buildings and facilities in Kariega which have been vandalised and damaged beyond repair, are the Allanridge Library, Allanridge Civic Centre, Jubilee Park Cemetery and the Swifts sports stadium and club house. The latest on the list is the Moth Memorial Hall in Rich Street.
The Hall was vandalised and finally destroyed by a fire on Sunday morning, triggering the question whether the underbelly of society is taking control.
Some believe that a lack of law enforcement and the municipality’s failure to provide the security needed to prevent theft and vandalism of their infrastructure, indirectly “empower” illegal dealers who buy copper, steel and building materials which are being stripped from buildings.
“Seeing this historic hall going up in flames is very sad. It actually is pathetic as it seems ‘tikkoppe’ have free range in town.
“Brick by brick buildings are carried away,” said a resident of Kariega who wished to stay anonymous.
“This Hall was known for the best of times. So many weddings, dances, Round Table Melodramas, the Lions Club’s annual Christmas lunch for elderly and homeless persons, and for practices of various sporting codes.
“All that is left are those memories. The building is gone,” the resident said.
Councillor Franay van de Linde said she still awaits confirmation of who the owner is.
According to Captain Gerda Swart, SAPS Uitenhage spokesperson, “No case was opened with regards to the fire.”
