Berario Scout Hall to be hopefully demolished
The Johannesburg Property Company will look into options for the land which might include renting the plot to interested parties.
The Berario Scout Hall roof collapsed last October after years of neglect by the Johannesburg Property Company.
The building dates back to the 60s and was once a place of much community activity and benefit, but years of mismanagement allowed it to fall into a state of disrepair.
Ward 88 Councillor Nicolene Jonker said in a written letter to JPC in February, “It has been neglected, resulting in its collapse and should now be demolished.” She lamented how dangerous it was for people to ‘be anywhere near it as it is so structurally unsafe’.
Residents have likewise complained to her that the plot ‘looks disgusting with vagrants hanging around and doing drugs at the site’.
Spokesperson for JPC Lucky Sindane said in response to queries, “The demolishing of the property needs to be determined by the city’s planning department. We will plan a site inspection after which an assessment report and demolishing certificate will be issued if it is to be demolished.”
He said discussions will be held with JMPD to monitor the property with regard to vagrants and a budget will be requested to secure the property.
Asked what will happen to the property going forward, Sindane said, “The circulation process and formalities will begin to see if the land is not required for the provision of basic municipal services. If not, it may be placed on public tender to lease or buy by interested parties.”
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