GEORGE NEWS - Responding to the various authorities' comment regarding the future of the York Hostel, Eden Lions President Carl van Blerk said it is a waste of a valuable asset that can be put to much better use.
"I think the community has a right to demand answers and to expect more than just vague responses about potential plans, which may or may not materialise. We have already seen a variety of apparent 'uses' for this property over the past years being thrown about, and I fear this is just another - much like the old Crocodile Farm, which the Eden Lions also requested through a proposal, many years back. At that stage it was not to be given to any interested party, as other plans were in place. That must have been six to eight years back - what has happened to it now?
"Public works will not enter into talks (with Eden Lions) as the George Municipality has 'shown an interest' in the property. And the municipality will not talk to us, as they are not the property owners! So who do we speak to?
"In my opinion, if the municipality has the opportunity to gain the use of the old hostel, then they must provide details as to what it will be used for, and when - before another decade passes.
"Or at the very least, they should meet with us, the Eden Lions, to discuss the possibility of working together.
"Public Works states the property must be used for state service delivery objectives, which is exactly what our plans are. In fact, we are offering to run projects that involve feeding, emergency relief aid, skills development, etc - all services that the state should be offering, but are battling to fulfil.
"When homes in informal settlements burn to the ground, the municipality comes to the Eden Lions to assist with clothing, bedding, and household goods - we do this regularly and with love. But, when it comes to assisting service organisations to strengthen their services, then we cannot even so much as get a meeting!
"Regarding the plans by the Health Department - if a clinic is to be erected, we would welcome such a service - in fact, it exactly aligns to our proposal of a baby clinic as well.
"Once again, as a new building on the site is envisaged for this, it should not hamper the discussions we would like to have, to work alongside government."
Read a previous article: Hostel plans under wraps
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