Question NW1761 to the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
19 May 2022 - NW1761
Abrahams, Ms ALA to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1)Whether, with reference to Erf. 5697, 56 Mossel Street, Churchill Estate, Cape Town, which has been declared a problem building by the City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality and has become a site for criminal activity placing the surrounding residents in danger, the specified erf falls under the jurisdiction of her department; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what was the initial purpose of the building and site, (b) for what duration has the building/site been vacant and (c) what is her department’s short-, medium- and long-term plan for the erf; (2) has she and/or her department been advised of criminal activity taking place on the erf; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what steps did her department take in this regard; (3) has she received any public and/or private requests to utilise the erf; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) whether she will consider the transfer of the building and erf to the relevant provincial department and/or municipality in order for it to be repurposed; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? (2) has she and/or her department been advised of criminal activity taking place on the erf; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what steps did her department take in this regard; (3) has she received any public and/or private requests to utilise the erf; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) whether she will consider the transfer of the building and erf to the relevant provincial department and/or municipality in order for it to be repurposed; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
1. I have been informed by the Department that Erf 5697 does fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.
a) The initial purpose of the building was for residential accommodation for SAPS members.
b) The building/dwelling has been vacant for 6 (six) years.
c) The property is in the process of being disposed of via an open tender process and will be finalised during the course of this year.
2. The Department is aware of the Criminal activity. The property was fenced and building was boarded up to prevent access and criminal activities. However the fence was broken on more than one occasion and the boards removed.
3. Numerous requests have been received from private individuals for the use of the premises. Approval has been obtained to dispose of the property by way of open tender.
4. No requests have been received from either the Provincial Government or the Municipality for the acquisition or transfer of this property.