Pamela van der Merwe
It is with disappointment but total understanding that I read posts on Facebook this week about the dreadful state of the Fish Hoek Main Road, including dilapidated buildings, poorly done shop signage and just general neglect.
One very good example is Clifton Parade on the corner of Central Road and Main Road. The building is literally falling apart.
The second is 51 Main Road, where Napoli Trattoria used to be situated. The building is so neglected. Tenants live inside the shops. The shops on Beach Road should be condemned.
Another good example of neglect and a need for urgent intervention is the Shell garage on Main Road. The pumps don't work, fittings are so rusted and broken, the signage is broken, old and neglected. The entire property needs an urgent revamp.
My question is where are all the absent landlords, and why are they not being held accountable for repairs and maintenance of these building?
Why is the City of Cape Town not taking action? Last year, a building inspector was asked to come to Fish Hoek Main Road to do building inspections and assist with this very real problem. He is still arriving!
Fish Hoek Beach has been given blue flag status. How do we expect people to visit Fish Hoek as businesses if the neglect is so far gone?
Come on, let us start 2024 by rebuilding our Fish Hoek.
• Steer & Co portfolio manager Sandi Nel responds: Steer & Co have been working closely with the trust administering Clifton Parade around the condition of the building. We can confirm that major structural work has been concluded during the course of this year and future cosmetic work is under discussion. We are confident that the trust will continue with the re-vamp efforts.
• Rob Downey from Cape Coastal Property Group responds: I agree the Main Road is looking tatty and unpleasing and it is everyone’s duty to try and uplift this precinct.
We took over the lease of 51 Main Road just over a year ago. This year, the landlord has spent a considerable amount of money undertaking the painting of the outside of the property, making it look 100% better.
They did a paint and repair on the roof, which failed, and as a result the landlord has signed a contract to have the roof replaced at a cost of over R1million in mid January 2024.
Regarding the tenant in the old Napoli Trattoria property, this matter has been reported to the SAPS, the City Of Cape Town as well as the City’s social workers three months ago, but nothing has been done.
Due to the breach in her lease agreement, the tenant is in the process of being evicted.
With the old tenant gone, we hope to secure someone who will value this space and position.
• Shell Fish Hoek owner Yogandrie Naidoo referred the Echo to Shell head office saying they are the owners of the premises and responsible for maintenance of all the pumps and fixtures.
At the time of going to print, no response had been received from the head office.