Calls grow for Public Works Dept to repurpose unused buildings in CoCT
This follows concerns raised by the communities of Mowbray and Woodstock that abandoned DPWI buildings were being used for criminal activities.
FILE: Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis. Picture: Supplied
CAPE TOWN - There are growing calls for the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) to repurpose its unused buildings within the City of Cape Town.
This follows concerns raised by the communities of Mowbray and Woodstock that abandoned DPWI buildings were being used for criminal activities.
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The City of Cape Town also issued fines for the department in May after its properties in District Six, Keizersgracht Road, and another in Maitland, Jan Smuts Drive, were found to be harbouring criminals and drug activities.
“This enforcement action follows a long effort by the city to try and get the owners of these buildings, in this case, the national Department of Public Works, to take responsibility for their property,” said Cape Town Mayor Geordin-Hill Lewis.
“The problem-building declaration is an important step, especially to ensure that life-threatening safety issues are addressed at these buildings to avoid fatal consequences."
The city says the department has many unutilised buildings within the metro that have also been hijacked by criminal elements.
According to land rights advocacy group Ndifuna Ukwazi, the properties must be repurposed and converted into affordable homes.