MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The Department of Transport and Public Works (DTPW) is embarking on a modernisation project of the former House De Klerk Hostel.

The building, previously also known as Summer Heights and Sportskool, will be refurbished in line with the Western Cape Government (WCG) Office Norms and Standards and, once completed, will be the provincial government's Shared Office Building in Mossel Bay.

It will eventually accommodate the offices of the provincial departments of Agriculture, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), Western Cape Government Health and Social Development.

"The planning of the project is at an advanced stage and it is due to go into construction towards the end of January 2018. 

"Completion of the project is anticipated to be June 2019," departmental spokesperson Byron la Hoe said.

The building has long been a bone of contention, especially for its immediate neighbours and the businesses owners in the area, particularly after it was vandalised after a section of it was destroyed in a fire in June 2012. 

Prior to that, the building that once boasted the proud heritage as a residence of Point High School was used for accommodation and the Mossel Bay Sports School.

Since the fire, however, homeless people occupied parts of it and vandalism and general destruction became evident.

In March 2013 the fire damage of the previous year was repaired and superficial renovations were done to the building.

The department employed a security company to guard the premises 24 hours per day. 

The building has, however, remained unoccupied since the fire and is obviously in disrepair. 

Addressing the opening of the NCOP week in Oudtshoorn in April 2015, Dr Ivan Meyer, Western Cape MEC of Finance, said the upgrading of House De Klerk Hostel would cost R16 million.

Businesses owners in the area have voiced their satisfaction with the proposed renovations, and have expressed the hope the shared office building will entice more visitors to the old part of town and help to revitalise the area.

ARTICLE: NICKEY LE ROUX, MOSSEL BAY ADVERTISER NEWS EDITOR

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