What lies within the once dubbed ‘underground dungeon’

BERARIO – The alterations to the building were necessary to get approval from the City for the project. Construction at the stand started in June 2018 after the relevant certificates were received enabling them to do all the required demolition and preparation for the construction.

This roof slab had to be lifted to ensure that there is adequate light and ventilation for those residing at the once highly contested Stand 353 at 185 Arkansas Avenue in Berario. Photo: Andile Dlodlo An example of one of the rooms in the Havilah Accommodation in Berario. Photo: Andile Dlodlo Each unit of the Havilah Accommodation in Berario includes a bathroom with a shower, toilet and sink. Photo: Andile Dlodlo All safety and security requirements are adhered to by the developers of the once-controversial Havilah Accommodation. Photo: Andile Dlodlo Havilah Accommodation at Stand 353 (185 Arkansas Avenue) in Berario has been given the legal authority have 13 units in its basement following alterations done to the building. Photo: Andile Dlodlo

Developers of a highly contested student accommodation building gave a tour of their units along with proof of building and occupancy certificates from the city.

Almost two years since the controversy around the proposed student accommodation being built at Stand 353 185 Arkansas Avenue, Berario, developers of the property allowed the Northcliff Melville Times inside the once-dubbed ‘underground dungeon’.

Eliezer Auerbach, developer of the recently constructed Havilah Accommodation, has refuted all claims and allegations that foul play was involved in the approval of the building planning’s. He stated, “We complied with all necessary building requirements and we have complied with City by-laws. Because complaints came via the councillors, the City of Johannesburg stopped the building for a month to check that everything was compliant.”
An official from the City was sent and allowed development to continue after not being able to find any issues.

The building now consists of 13 flatlets which comprise 46 total bedrooms with each being designed to accommodate one person only. Each flat has access to its own bathroom (including a toilet and shower) and a kitchen with the latest energy-saving appliances, while the building also has a communal entertainment/fitness room and laundry room. Auerbach added, “Cutting the (roof) slab brought in much light and ventilation. There is a fire safety certificate and each room has its own fire detector. The security is good, there are CCTV cameras both inside and outside. We also offer uncapped Wi-Fi.”

According to Auerbach, the alterations to the building were necessary to get approval from the City for the project. Construction at the stand started in June 2018 after the relevant certificates were received enabling them to do all the required demolition and preparation for the construction. Documentation shared with the Northcliff Melville Times shows that the building was renovated legally. These included the Building Plan Application and Approval which was granted between August and November 2018. Fire clearance, plumbing, electrical, engineering and other certificates of compliance were given to the property throughout July 2019 after its completion. In August 2019, the building was given its certificate of occupancy by the City’s Development Planning and Urban Management department.

Auerbach stated that there had been no problems for the Berario community from this development and its tenants and that they ‘are keen to have a peaceful relationship with all the neighbours in the community’.