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GEORGE NEWS & VIDEO - A lack of visible security at the historic house in Davidson Road behind George Hospital, notorious for its alleged former use as a drug house, raises concern among residents.

On 12 August, George Herald reported on the front page about the clean-up operation of the premises and possible plans to develop the property as an extension of George Hospital. 

The property owner, the National Department of Public Works, received a request from the provincial Department of Transport and Public Works for extending the adjacent hospital.

In their response two weeks ago, spokesperson for the national department Thami Mchunu said a security company has been appointed to "prevent the illegal occupation of the property and any criminal activity that might take place as a result of the vacancy of the property". 

However, those who keep a keen eye on the development at the premises, have noticed no signs of security at the historic house.

Watch a supplied video below:

According to a resident who has seen video footage of the condition of the house, it seems that people are still staying there and vandalising the place. 

"Also, there is no sign of any security guarding the property as was mentioned in the article would happen," said the concerned resident.

The national spokesperson of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, Thami Mchunu, replied to GH's enquiry on Thursday 26 August, saying that the property is being guarded 24/7 by a security company, Vhakula Trading and Projects Pty (Ltd). 

"The vagrants were stopped from entering the property," Mchunu said. "However, there’s only one old couple occupying the outside building. The Department is taking the necessary steps to have them evicted."

Mchunu also confirmed that a formal request to acquire the property has been received from (the provincial) DTPW. "The Department’s internal processes are still unfolding in this regard."

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