The Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) has issued a stern warning to the public, urging immediate evacuation of the Windsor Hotel situated at 36 Sutherland Street in Mthatha. The ECDC has declared the building unsafe for occupation, emphasizing the potential dangers that illegal occupants may face.
The Windsor Hotel has been unlawfully occupied since 2018, and the ECDC has been engaged in ongoing legal processes to regain control of the premises. Unfortunately, these legal battles have hindered the corporation from conducting essential maintenance on the building for the past five years, exacerbating safety concerns.
ECDC Chief Executive Officer Ayanda Wakaba stressed the urgency of the situation, saying,
“It has come to the attention of the ECDC that the building may be unsafe for occupation. The ECDC, therefore, calls on the public to avoid entering the building and for illegal occupants to evacuate the premises. This will allow ECDC to secure the building and ensure that it is made safe for future occupation.”
Wakaba further explained that the ECDC has taken multiple steps in the past to alert illegal occupants about the potential safety hazards. Notices have been prominently displayed on the building, and warnings have been disseminated through various media platforms. The corporation has engaged in ongoing efforts to communicate the risks involved and encourage occupants to vacate the property for their own safety.
“We hope the public will take heed of the warning to avoid any potential injury or loss of life,” Wakaba added.
The ECDC remains committed to resolving the legal challenges surrounding the Windsor Hotel and is actively working to regain control of the property. In the meantime, the corporation urges cooperation from the public to ensure the safety of all individuals involved.
Residents and passersby are advised to stay away from the premises until the ECDC can successfully secure and assess the building’s safety for future use. The corporation will continue to provide updates on the situation as it unfolds.
