MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Will the old landmark, the power station at Little Brak River, be demolished or rejuvenated into a community centre? Its future currently hangs in the balance.
This is according to the minutes of the open council meeting on 30 April, published in the Council's latest agenda for the meeting on 28 May.
The minutes stated that the building has been vacant for many years and is in a dilapidated condition. The Council received a report in June last year about the structural integrity of the building.
The report was compiled by a professional engineer and estimated the demolition costs to be R6.3m at that time.
The minutes then referred to a case study the Council had received "on how to rejuvenate the building in a manner that would benefit the community and to be utilised as a community centre..." It said the centre would house workrooms, some offices, a café and mini sports courts, and shelter the community during flooding.
The minutes added that "a cost estimation of this rejuvenation proposal should be calculated by a consultant in liaison with the appointed professional engineer to determine the approximate cost to rejuvenate the building in line with the proposal".
The Council noted the findings and approved the interim actions below, and initiated further technical assessment.
These measures were said to address the risk and safety of the building and the community living around it, and would be implemented by the Directorate of Infrastructure Services.
They are as follows:
- That all loose material be removed from the building, including the metal cladding at the back of it.
- All trees and overgrowth inside the building that may create or cause a danger, or endanger the structure, should be removed.
- That a 2m-high perimeter wall be built at all entrances to prevent entrance to the building.
- The necessary signage be placed against the building to prevent entry and trespassing.
- That the necessary funds for the above be made available through the Council's budget process.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
