Residents – Mark Street disgrace must stop now
In the heart of the Stellenbosch CBD lies 18 Mark Street. This historic property belongs to the National Department of Public Works. It has stood empty and neglected for years. Not only is the building dilapidated and the erf completely run-down, but the notorious property also attracts many illegal activities. This is a massive safety and security hazard for residents and something ratepayers are fed-up with.
A resident of Mark Street, who for security reasons does not want to be identified said they have had it with the unsafe and unhealthy circumstances caused by the neglect of the property and its inhabitants.
“We simply cannot stand for it anymore. We have tried kto speak to the municipality, but over the past number of years they seem to haver ignored the problem. We also took the matter up with the Department of Public Works, but even less is being done from their side. We had the umpteenth housebreaking here last week – the police did call on us but no solution was found,” he said.
Stuart Grobbelaar, municipal spokesperson, said Municipal Law Enforcement officials, together with Mayco member for Protection Services, Rikus Badenhorst, conducted yet another operation on the property at 18 Mark Street.
“The municipality has repeatedly engaged with the department on this property, notices have been issued on the property in terms of our Problem Property Bylaw and regular Law Enforcement operations are conducted on the premises to clear the building of criminals and drug dealers. The matter of 18 Mark Street has even been taken to National Parliament, where a Parliamentary Question was posed to the Minister.
“The municipality is able and willing to take over ownership of this building and to transform it into a safe and usable space to the benefit of our community. We simply cannot continue using our limited resources and manpower on policing criminal activities that are a direct result of the department’s inaction.
“We call on Minister Patricia de Lille to make good on her promises and to act now,” Grobbelaar said in response to questions posed by www.stellenboschmonitor.com.
