City dragging its feet to get Brackendowns burned building demolished

by Cllr Thavha Maifala-Masebe — DA Ward 38 Councillor in Ekurhuleni

Date: 11 September 2023

Release: Immediate

Type: Media Statement

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ward 38, Brackenhurst and Brackendowns is concerned at how long the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) is taking to address the issue of demolishing the burned bus terminus near Brackendowns Police Station.

Despite the building having been burned down since May 2019, the city has failed to demolish the building as part of its responsibility as per the lease agreement it has with the Department of Public Work and Infrastructure (DPWI).

In response to the DA’s question for a written reply, the MMC for Real Estate, Cllr Kgopelo Hollo states that CoE’s City Planning department is still in the process of processing the demolition certificate. While the DA appreciates the process needed to be followed in executing the demolition of the bus terminus, we believe the process was started late to start with.

As per evidence provided by the MMC, the recent follow-up from the Real Estate Department was sent to the City Planning Department in November 2022. The DA believes that under the EFF-ANC Coalition of corruption, departments are dragging their feet in putting to actions required to foster good governance.

The DA will by the end of the current calendar year submit a motion to the council imploring the city to take urgent steps to demolish the burned building. This will be done to take away a haven for possible criminals in the area.

The DA will continue the fight to keep the community safe by ensuring the burned building is demolished, without waiting for DPWI to occupy the property as part of the deal to transfer the property to the national government.

It is only under a DA government the safety will remain a priority.

Cllr Thavha Maifala-Masebe

DA Ward 38 Councillor in Ekurhuleni

0615404973