However, finding the contractor to eliminate the structure, which casts a shadow on the positive image of the city, has been difficult.
According to metro spokesperson Themba Gadebe, tenders were called for, but all the acceptable applicants were found to have under-quoted and, as a result, the tender did not proceed to the awarding phase.
When a second tender process advertised, none of the prospective bidders complied with the municipality’s Supply Chain Management (SCM) policy.
As a result, a request was made for the tender to be re-advertised again and, if all goes as planned and everything complies with the metro’s SCM policy, a contractor will be appointed by January 28.
The dilapidated structure has been standing empty for more than three years, since it was condemned.
For the sake of the neighbourhood’s safety, the municipality told this paper early in 2012 that it had taken a decision to demolish the building, and also promised that the process of appointing a specialist or demolition company to execute this would take approximately five months.
The building is, however, still standing, causing huge frustration to business people operating in the immediate vicinity.
Residents of Boksburg have accused the metro of failing to honour its promises to tear down the structure, and has blamed the delay on poor management.
They believe the demolition of the structure, which they said has become a haven for criminals and a drag on property values, will bring enormous benefits to the surrounding businesses.
For the past couple of years, residents, business people and the police have been asking for the building to be removed or revamped.
Lieut-Col Khumbulani Ndaba, of the Boksburg SAPS, recently told the Advertiser that nearby residents often complain to the police of criminal behaviour associated with the proximity of the abandoned building.
“Since the eviction of the occupants of the building, the property has become a cause of concern,” he said.
“We have had lots of complaints about criminals who steal from nearby businesses and rob people walking in the area, while those visiting the lake are also targeted — some even run the risk of being raped.”
-@FanieBoksburg
