GEORGE NEWS - Those passing the old crocodile farm at the southern entrance of George, at the bottom of York Street, would have noticed all the precast walls have been removed.

The cleaning of the site started last year, but the big question remains: what are the municipality's plans for this prime piece of property?

Municipal spokesperson Chantel Edwards-Klose answered enquiries in this regard, saying in terms of a council resolution, the land must be developed as a restructuring zone. 

"Restructuring zones are part of a government programme, whereby a subsidy can be accessed in respect of development of social housing (rental housing). This can be accessed by both public sector and the private sector, once the developer has partnered with an accredited social housing agency," said Edwards-Klose.

"The development envisaged for this site is a government-assisted rental development, whereby the beneficiary must earn above a certain amount per month. The government subsidises a portion of the monthly rental, making it more affordable to obtain residence closer to places of work. All of the restructuring sites are in the CBD, as this is the area where most people are employed. The crocodile farm site also facilitates shorter travel distances to employment for people that work in the industrial areas."

Edwards-Klose said during the cleaning of the old crocodile farm site last year, the precast walls had to be removed by the contractor as well. "However, opportunity was given to welfare institutions and nursery schools renting land from the municipality to remove the precast panels and posts to be used at their sites, thereby allowing the asset to remain in the possession of the municipality.

Permission was granted to Gloryland Ministries to remove the last part of the wall at the crocodile farm to erect at the premises under lease in Pacaltsdorp."

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