Petition to Secure and Demolish Derelict Building on Erf 156

26 October 2023

From:      Concerned residents of Signal Hill and affected neighborhoods in Plettenberg Bay  

To:          Mayor Dave Swart Bitou Municipality Plettenberg Bay  

Cc:          Premier Alan Winde  

Subject: Petition to Secure and Demolish Derelict Building on Erf 156  

Dear Mayor Swart   

We, the concerned residents of Signal Hill and affected neighborhoods, express our profound apprehension and dissatisfaction with the ongoing consequences of the municipality's inability to secure and demolish the derelict and illegal structure situated on Erf 156.

This predicament has become unbearable, as the building now stands as a shelter for a multitude of vagrants and criminals.   This has led to a significant surge in criminal activity, including a recent incident of sexual assault on the premises, various drug-related issues, thefts from cars and homes, harassment of residents and tourists in the vicinity of the Signal Hill viewpoint and an unacceptable public nuisance. The constant fear and distress experienced by those residing in the area are eroding the quality of life in our neighborhood. Furthermore, residents are incurring direct costs for property damage, loss and heightened security measures.  

Mayor Swart, it is an established fact that this problem has arisen through the apathy of previous Bitou councils and mayors, which includes their failure to act upon a 2016 court order for the demolition of the unauthorized structure. Under your leadership, the current DA-led coalition passed a Council resolution in January 2022 to demolish the structure in accordance with the 2016 court order. Over the past 19 months, members of our community have engaged with you and your officials through various channels. Despite your past assurances and commitments, there have been no tangible results and the situation continues to deteriorate. You have simply “passed this down the line” to officials who are not committed to the task.  This has utterly failed us as your ratepayers and voters - we expect and deserve better from you.  

With the festive season and Rage fast approaching, there is a heightened risk of further incidents emanating from this site. You are well briefed on these risks and hence the persistent inaction of the Bitou Municipality, places the public and political liability squarely on your shoulders. Therefore, we respectfully implore you, as our mayor, to  take immediate and decisive action to expedite the securing and demolition of the derelict and illegal structure. This action is not only crucial for restoring a sense of security and tranquility in our neighborhood but also for safeguarding property values, the rates base and the overall brand image of Plettenberg Bay.   

We look forward to your urgent response, indicating what tangible actions you have initiated, when they will be completed and what impact you anticipate these to have in addressing the above challenges.   

Yours sincerely,    

On Behalf of the Residents of Signal Hill and affected neighbourhoods of Plettenberg Bay

Residents of Signal Hill and affected neighbourhoods of Plettenberg Bay    Contact the author of the petition