GEORGE NEWS - Business owners and residents of Cathedral Street will be elated to know that a court order has finally been served for the eviction of the infamous drug house in Cathedral Street. Although the date of eviction could not be confirmed by the time of going to print, it is believed that it will take place soon.

"The matter with regard to the Cathedral Street property was heard in court this week and an order of court has been issued for further action to be taken," said George municipal spokesperson Chantèl Edwards.

No detail was given regarding the exact process or what is to become of the premises after the eviction.

When the matter served in the Thembalethu Circuit High Court last Friday, 25 November, it was said that all the 'non-permanent' residents, of which there are about 18, will be evicted first, after which another eviction date will be given to the only permanent resident, a woman who has been living in the house for some years now.

Certain strict security measures will be applied to prevent other people occupying the house before the final resident has been evicted.

The municipality applied for the eviction of the illegal occupiers in September this year.

The dilapidated house, which is close to some primary and high schools in the area, has been described as a nest for drug addicts, dealers, prostitutes and gangsters.

According to a business owner who has been complaining about the situation for years, drug deals occur daily in front of the house and living conditions are appalling. Break-ins at neighbouring businesses are also almost a daily occurrence.

Over the years police have performed many raids and drug-related arrests on the premises.

Occupants at house in Hope Street evicted

Occupants of another house that has been a pain in the neck for residents of George South, 34 Hope Street, was finally evicted on Tuesday 29 November. This comes after a six-year battle to remove the inhabitants of the house. According to information the owner filed for the eviction of the house and plans to renovate the house.

This house, like the one in Cathedral Street, has become synonymous with drug dealing and other criminal activities. It housed about 20 people.

34 Hope Street was evicted on Tuesday 29 November. Photos: Kristy Kolberg

Problem premises by-law

In future the municipality's new problem premises by-law will enable the municipality to better manage situations at problem premises.

The by-law is supplementary to the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act to ensure the proper care and maintenance of buildings and premises, whether vacant or occupied.

The by-law applies to all problem premises as defined in the by-law and within the area of jurisdiction of the municipality. 

In the implementation and enforcement of this by-law, the municipality may take into consideration the realities of the George area, the different customs, cultures, circumstances, geographical areas, kinds of premises, levels of development and conventions, and the municipality may determine the areas in which the by-law will be applicable. 

The by-law was adopted by Council on 24 November and will be promulgated in the Government Gazette for implementation.

A problem premises is defined as follows:

• building or land that has been abandoned or appears to have been abandoned by the owner, with or without the consequence that rates or other service charges are not being paid;

• building or land that is derelict in appearance, overcrowded or showing signs that it is hazardous to human health, unsightly or objectionable;

• building or land that is the subject of complaints from the public including complaints in respect of criminal activity taking place in or at such building or land;

• building or land that is illegally occupied;

• building or land where refuse or waste material is accumulated, dumped, stored or deposited;

• building partially completed, or structurally unsound and that shows signs of any of the risks contemplated in paragraphs (a) to (e); or

• vacant or unoccupied land.

If all goes to plan, the inhabitants of the "drug house" in Cathedral Street will also soon be evicted.

ALSO READ: Application for eviction at notorious 'drug house'

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