GEORGE NEWS - The Eden Lions Club wants to transform the old York High hostel into a hub of community service projects.

Club President Carl van Blerk submitted a proposal to the Western Cape Public Works Department in February. The Lions believe the building on the corner of Market and Meade streets is the ideal spot for a soup kitchen, clinic, skills development centre and low-cost emergency housing. The building has been standing empty for a decade and is deteriorating every year.

Two years ago, the Department of Health told the George Herald that the property had been allocated to them for future development but, as a result of planning interventions, portions of the site were in the process of being returned to the Department of Transport and Public Works.

"The process of disposal of the site is prescriptive but includes engagement with various stakeholders. This process can only start once the Department of Health has officially communicated its intentions to Public Works."

Closed door
Shane Hindley from Immovable Asset Management in the department confirmed to Van Blerk that his department received "expressions of interest" from Western Cape Health for the construction of a clinic on a portion of the site. The George Municipality has also expressed interest, but he did not say for what purpose. In terms of the Government Immovable Asset Management Act, these proposals must be considered before others can be looked at. Government cannot dispose of the property because of the interest shown by the municipality and health department, he said. With this door closed, Van Blerk says he hopes to approach the municipality to suggest a joint project with them.

The Eden Lions has been granted the rights to manage the Food Forward regional depot in George, which will result in tons of food being brought into the community for food aid. They also distribute tons of clothing, bedding and household goods through their disaster relief programme.

Funds
According to Van Blerk, they can apply for grants from Lions Clubs International and sponsorship from local service providers to help fund the project. "We would like to have the facility on a long-term rental-free basis as it will be serving the needs of the community and no profits will be generated."

The George Herald is awaiting comment from the departments of Health and Public Works as to when a decision will be made and the factors hampering the process.

In August last year the municipality told George Herald journalist Kristy Kolberg that the building is not its responsibility. Further comment regarding a possible joint project with the Lions has been requested from the municipality, but not in time for a response to reach the newspaper before it went to print.

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