Berario Scout Hall roof collapses after neglect by JPC
The Johannesburg Property Company needs to explain how the building was allowed to fall into disrepair.
The roof of the Berario Scout hall has collapsed after years of neglect.
The property owned by the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) has in recent years been mismanaged and allowed to fall into a state of disrepair.
The building dates back to the 60s and was once a place of much community activity and benefit. Recently it has been left virtually abandoned where homeless have slept, and informal use of it has not been monitored.
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Ward 88 councillor Nicolene Jonker said, “About two weeks before the Berario Scouts hall roof collapsed, I requested JPC to have a meeting on all city-owned properties in Ward 88. I am relieved nobody was hurt when the roof collapsed and would like to thank the Fairland police, private security companies and our community for acting so fast and efficiently on the matter. It is really appreciated.”
Fairland CPF public relations officer Mike Styer commented, “The old Berario Scout hall has become a safety concern with the roof collapsing. There is still a portion of the roof intact that is also in danger of falling and needs to be removed. The use of the building needs to be reviewed and if it is not viable to be restored, the building should be demolished due to safety concerns.”
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A follow-up article will be published once JPC responds to questions posed to them.
