Engineers to assess Schubart Park: Mayor

04 October 2011 - 18:17 By Sapa
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Schubart Park. File photo
Schubart Park. File photo
Image: Peggy Nkomo

Engineers will assess what should happen with the Schubart Park flats in central Pretoria, Tshwane mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa said on Tuesday.

"We are going to be receiving a report by the structural engineers with regards to the structural integrity," he said.

This would determine whether the buildings should be demolished or refurbished.

Last month violent protests erupted at the complex after electricity supplies to the buildings stopped, when the substation in the building's basement malfunctioned due to flooding.

Tyres were burnt inside the building, residents threw bricks and bottles onto the street and a mobile toilet and car were set alight. Police arrested 79 people for public violence.

The residents opposed being moved out of the building, but Pretoria High Court Judge Bill Prinsloo ordered they be evacuated for their own safety.

On Tuesday, the Pretoria News reported that Prinsloo had ordered that the municipality complete refurbishing the Schubart Park complex within the next 18 months.

Meanwhile the city had to provide alternative accommodation and storage space for the residents' belongings.

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