Problem Buildings News Today

The entrances to several problematic buildings in Central, harbouring vagrants and criminals, have been bricked up pending approval to have some of them demolished.

By failing to enforce the problem building bylaws, the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality has allowed Central and several of its historic buildings to deteriorate into disrepair.

Beside their being an eye sore, the municipality said that there has been a huge outcry from the business community and residents that these old buildings have become breeding ground for crime, and have become hide-outs for criminals.

Vacant properties have become the new target for vandals.A couple of months ago, Sherwood residents raised concerns over an abandoned home that was being stripped piece by piece and attracting criminal elements to the otherwise quiet neighbourhood.