Old hostel an eyesore for CBD

GEORGE NEWS - Following the article "Hoe gemaak met haweloses" (George Herald, 20 July), readers have been asking why the old York High Hostel building, on the corner of Market and Cradock street, can not be used to house vagrants. Many want to know what the plans are for the building and why the municipality is not doing anything about it.

According to municipal spokesperson Chantel Edwards-Klose, the building belongs to Province and is therefore not the responsibility of George Municipality. Issues regarding this building have also been addressed on various occasions at high administrative and political level.

Spokesperson for the Department of Transport and Public Works (DTPW), Siphesihle Dube, told the George Herald that the property has not been declared surplus in terms of the service delivery objectives of both the Western Cape Government and George Municipality. The property can therefore not be availed to another party.

"Options currently being considered for the future of the property potentially include a clinic or use by the municipality," he said.

About a year ago Icosa councillor, Wilbur Harris, in his then capacity as leader of the Democratic Civic Association (DCA), said that this white elephant should be used for housing purposes given the housing shortage in the George area. He suggested the building be converted into residential units. However, the DTPW had no such plans for the foreseeable future.