Themba Gadebe, metro spokesman, says applications to lease and purchase have been received but they have not asked any of the applicants to submit a tender.
“We have also received telephone and personal enquiries about the building,” he says.
Residents have been complaining for months about the empty building.
The Addie reported on the empty building in June (ZigZag Road’s eye-sore to get facelift, June 18).
It has been years since the previous owner decided to close his business and not to renew the contract with the metro.
The empty building has been attracting vagrants and squatters who are regularly removed by the metro.
Gadebe says anyone who is aware of any mischievous behaviour taking place at the premises is encouraged to contact the EMPD or the Springs police.
“A report pertaining to the future use of the premises will be submitted to the council for consideration, at the beginning of 2016,” he says.
If the metro approves the report tenders will be accepted to lease the premises.
The metro will take steps to clean the premises in the new year.
“Any repairs or improvements to the building cannot be considered whilst the premises are vacant,”says Gadebe.
Ward councillor Shadow Shabangu says if the metro speed up the process all problems revolving around the building will be resolved.
