Locals have, for the past number of years, been waiting for the structure to be torn down, with the metro having made numerous promises that demolition of the building is on the cards.
This insect and rodent-infested, dilapidated structure has turned into a dumpsite for household waste and debris, as well as a home for the destitute.
Some residents claim to have witnessed criminal activities taking place in the building, and police have confirmed that they have had to deal with several cases that occurred on the property.
Demolition of unused buildings in the city was among a range of demands by local residents, who recently marched to the Boksburg Civic Centre to hand over a memorandum of grievances to their ward councillor.
As many as 13 homeless people are living inside the large building, in about a dozen rooms that have been changed into makeshift bedrooms.
Njabulo Shangase (22) and Leticia Malgas are among the occupiers of the building.
Puffing on a dagga finger, Shangase, a homeless nyaope addict, said he had no choice but to look for a place that is available to call home.
Both Shangase and Malgas are appealing to residents to reach out to them by providing them with accommodation and other assistance.
Shangase said he is looking for a Good Samaritan who can help him to kick the habit.
He admitted that he has made a mess of his life and his behaviour towards his relatives landed him on the streets, but promised that if he could get assistance he would turn over a new leaf and hope to do better.
In spite of his circumstances, Shangase said he has decided that education is important and he wants to finish high school, become skilled and do something with his life.
“Life is not good here; it’s tough living on the streets,” he said.
”I’m looking for anyone who can assist me to get out of this mess.”
Shangase, who has been living on the streets for a couple of years, said he used to stay in parks and also under a bridge in Johannesburg, before relocating to Boksburg.
Meanwhile, Malgas is looking for assistance to find a job.
“I don’t like to stay here in in Market Street; it’s really hard to live like this,” she said.
She explained that she and her sister were raised by their grandmother, after being abandoned by their mother.
“The problem started at the time when I fell pregnant,” she added.
”I was kicked out of my grandmother’s house and I had to seek shelter somewhere.”
Neither Shangase nor Malgas have cellphones and they said if someone wants to lend a helping hand they can be found on the property.
The Advertiser is still waiting for comment from the metro regarding the demolition of the building.
Also read:
Broken promise – building still stands
Long-abandoned building continues to cause headache
Woman raped in abandoned building
