GEORGE NEWS - The property with the historic magistrate's house in Davidson Road, up till recently hidden behind a clump of tall eucalyptus trees and notorious for alleged illegal activities, could in future become an extension of the George Hospital.

Big plans are in store for the old house now, according to Thami Mchunu, spokesperson for the national Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI). 

The property was recently cleared of most of the trees that made the house almost invisible from the road. Surrounding residents had complained for years that criminal activity in the area stemmed from illegal occupants on the property.

Mchunu told George Herald that the department has recently received a request from the provincial Department of Transport and Public Works to acquire the property for extending the adjacent hospital.

"Engagements are ongoing and once a final determination has been made by the delegated authority, the property may then be disposed to that department," said Mchunu.

He said the department has appointed a security company 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, which is owned by the national government and is the responsibility of the national Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.

Eyesore

Municipal Director of Planning Lauren Waring said the property has been an eyesore and the building a problem for many years. 

"George Municipality has approached DPWI on many occasions, but they simply do not undertake the necessary action in order to protect their property and the heritage building," said Waring.

"There have been a number of initiatives to deal with the problems including law enforcement operations with the police, waste management clean-ups and building control directives."

She said while the municipality wants to resolve this issue, they need the national Department of Public Works to undertake its responsibilities. "We cannot spend council funding on assets that do not belong to the municipality."

George Hospital CEO Mike Vonk told the newspaper, "George Hospital has shown interest in the property as we are always looking for ways to improve and expand service delivery. Any further details will need to be obtained from the Department of Public Works."

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