TotT readers weigh in on abandoned structures in PA

TotT’s latest Facebook question was: “What do you think should be done with abandoned structures in Port Alfred so they don’t become a health and safety hazard?”

Talk of the Town readers have different views on abandoned structures, with many suggesting they can be useful for informal traders and a tourist attraction, while others are of the view that they should be demolished.

Charmaine Els said demolish the building or the owner must fix up the property.

Caryn Bruyns said: “Revamp them and let informal traders sell their homemade goods from them for a small rental. Similar to the Red Shed at the Waterfront in Cape Town. Would have to be done properly though not a half-baked job.”

Xolani Mzontsudu KaNtlokwana said the municipality should fix them up into smaller houses or flats and rent them to low income residents to generate a little profit for Ndlambe.

Hopeful Winnie-Isabel Le Roux said: “This area can so easily be beautified there are the most beautiful birds in the area. Turn it into an attraction, currently it is an eyesore in our beautiful town.”

Rachel Bushell emphatically said “find out who owns them and give them an ultimatum”!

Derek Trevor Rowswell responded to Bushell saying: “Most are probably owned by the municipality.”

Ernest Bowles said: “Sell them for R2. Then new owner must restore within 12 months.”

Marilyn Pattenden said: “Surely one has to determine whether they are of historical importance and where they fitted into the history of Port Alfred. If they are significant then they should be preserved, renovated and hopefully given a new lease of life in a meaningful way.”

She added that if they were unsound and riddled with wood borer then demolishing would probably be best.

She further said one needed a definitive register of all the old buildings in town as it was over 200 years old and full of fascinating history and stories. She is of the view that that aspect should be used to make this town a tourist destination showing off restored buildings.

In response, Nadine Haynes said: “I agree 100%. The whole Lounge/ Old Municipal Market Precinct would make a wonderful tourist hub with a skills development/neat little recycling receiving centre with all forms of up-cycling forming job opportunities.”

Gwynneth Strating Crothall also supported Pattenden’s views saying: “I second Marilyn Pattenden’s comments. Those buildings [for instance, the Old Market, Ferryman’s] which have a rich history should be sensitively refurbished and put to good use. Those which have no historical or cultural significance and are too far gone should be demolished.”

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Buzzing on twitter

ReenvalSA @ReenvalSA95mm overnight, West Bank, Port Alfred JuanitaMcLean @peoples_weather @JoelGuy_@SAWeatherServic @VoxWeatherZa @maroelamedia

Catherine White @cat_reporting Man saved from drowning #portalfred #westpier

Mzukisi @ka_Gwata People in Port Alfred were shocked by a violent freak storm last night. A thunderstorm with very strong winds caused structural damage. It is extremely rare to have evening storms [on] that coast.

Retreat 2 Eden @Retreat2Eden foster (or permanent) #homes are needed for the following #dogs -#portalfred

Though these dogs are greatly loved at Retreat 2 Eden, we feel they would benefit much more in a quiet, one-on-one home: Luna’s age is unknown. I would guess about eight to 10 years old.

Mzansi’s Rugby Academy @MzansisRugbyMzansi’s U13 vs Klipfontein Primary | PAHS | 1

Mzansi's26-10KlipfonteinPrimarySchool Ahugethank you to all involved and a special shoutout to Port Alfred High School for allowing us to use their field! @afloyddouglass #SupportMzansisRugby #SouthAfrica.

Charles DenzelMwiyeretsi @DenzelUG Thank you Port Alfred, South Africa! It was fun deejaying for you last night.

Gqeberha @MyPEGqeberha: Port Alfred Man ‘Saved’ by the Springboks v All Blacks Clash https://mygqeberha.com/?p=26841 #nsri

Nigel Alfred Jopson said funding was always a challenge.