By Nangamso Mabindla
18 January 2006

ST GEORGE'S Garden in Southernwood, a former eyesore, has been revamped and is ready to welcome its first tenants on 1 February.

It has also been renamed Skyview on St George's. Previously the run down block of flats was commonly known as Skyways.

The building, one of East London's landmarks, was refurbished at a cost of R21-million, following a 2003 report to the City council that the 14-storey block was in an unsatisfactory condition. Own Haven Housing Association (OHHA), a social housing organisation, was appointed by Buffalo City to carry out the development and return the complex to its former glory.

OHHA managing director Andrew Wise said the contractors had made great progress in ensuring that the building would be ready for use at the start of next month.

"The water, sewerage and electricity reticulation have been completely rebuilt and commissioned while the newly installed lifts are ready for use," he said.

To ensure safety and the smooth running of the building, a full-time caretaker has been appointed, and access control and an intercom system are ready to be commissioned.

Executive Mayor Sindisile Maclean said he was extremely happy that the building had been refurbished and was ready for its first tenants. "I am also happy that affordable rental housing will now be made available in the centre of town for our people to enjoy.

"The first day of next month will be an important day for urban renewal."

Maclean was also happy with the new name, Skyview on St George's, given to the complex by OHHA.

"There was a stigma attached to Skyways - it represented desolation. The new name will give people a new perspective of the complex. I am very happy that the controversial and ugly side of Skyways will now be laid to rest," he added.

Talking about the affordability of the rental units, Wise said rentals for the flats would be between R2 700 and R3 200 a month. Prospective tenants would have to fill in an application form and submit documents.

"We will need proof of payment with contact details for reference purposes and proof of gross monthly earnings. We will also need details of financial commitments and proof of deductions made for any other credit arrangements. We really need to ensure that our tenants will take care of the complex," he said.

Other documents like identity documents and three months worth of bank statements would also be needed from applicants by OHHA.