Alberton Heritage Society fights for town hall
UPDATE: Ekruhuleni Metro Municipality (EMM) have responded explaining that the Town Hall will be converted to an office space temporarily, while the EGSC Germiston Head Office building is being renovated.
ALBERTON – Alterations have already begun on the old Town Hall located in Alberton North.
According to the Alberton Heritage Society the alterations that have taken place are done illegally, because the correct procedures to approve the alteration have not been followed.
There was some confusion about the building that has taken place already, but it has been confirmed that the building will not be demolished. Although this is the case, the building has already been altered inside. The hall will be used as an office space.
The Heritage Society has informed the Provincial Heritage Resource Agency-Government (PHRA-G). The Heritage Society has also gone to the Police Station to try and open a case, but they have not been successful.
According to the South African Heritage Resource Agency’s (SAHRA) website: “No person may alter or demolish any structure or part of a structure which is older than 60 years, without a permit issued by the relevant provincial heritage resources authority.”
The Town Hall was originally built in 1919 and alterations took place in 1938.
The Alberton Heritage Society got wind of the possible alterations and has notified Ekurhuleni Metro Municipality (EMM) in the February council meeting. They handed in a petition to halt any alterations that was planned.
Thus the municipality was aware of the possible alterations a month before residents took to Facebook to make their voices heard.
The Alberton Heritage Society has also teamed up with Klinkenberg Incorporated and Afriforum to take the case to court. Afriforum will be taking on the case free of charge to try and save a piece of heritage. Residents have shown their support, some residents came together on Friday evening in support of the heritage society.
Ekruhuleni Metro Municipality (EMM) have responded explaining that the Town Hall will be converted to an office space temporarily, while the EGSC Germiston Head Office building is being renovated.
“Various proposals were submitted and approved through the normal EMM processes. In order to facilitate the temporary use of the building for offices, some upgrades and renovations were proposed,” Themba Gadebe ssid.
According to Beverley-Ann Small, chairperson of the Alberton Heritage Society, the Department of Sport Heritage Recreation Art and Culture (SHRAC) should have been consulted, as well as the Ward Councillor and Ward Committee, and they were not consulted.
The only department that could have issued the necessary documentation to proceed with the alteration would be PRA-G.
