The Addie published an article (Old O’Hagans building may be restored) where community members complained the empty building is drawing unwanted attention and nothing is being done about it.
Prostitutes and vagrants are causing damage to the building, which has stood empty for a number of years, and community members want to know why council is not renting the building out to eager residents.
There was speculation that council had previously refused tenders, causing confusion to residents who questioned why the building is empty.
Ekurhuleni Metro spokesman Themba Gadebe put the record straight and says council has not rejected any tenders as no tenders have been invited or received yet.
“A report will be submitted to the council in due course to obtain approval to invite tenders to lease the property,” says Gadebe.
All persons enquiring about the possible leasing of the premises are informed accordingly.
This was after ward councillor of the area, Shadow Shabangu, said there are multiple tenders in process at council.
The municipality’s EMPD will be requested to investigate whether there are illegal occupants in the building.
Security supervisors from the Ekurhuleni Metro chased prostitutes away from the premises, but the prostitutes keep coming back.
“Springs SAPS previously took the prostitutes away, but they keep on returning,” says Gadebe.
Gadebe concludes the security contractor on site is instructed to remove the prostitutes from the premises.
