Following several inquiries about the current state of the Agricultural Hall Building in Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch Municipality has confirmed necessary repairs will be conducted to the building early next year.
The historic building took a battering during the heavy floods and storms that wreaked havoc across the province in June and September (“Wydverspreide skade”, Eikestadnuus, 28 September).
According to municipal spokesperson Stuart Grobbelaar the floods severely impacted the nearby riverbed leading to the undermining of the building’s foundation.
“To address this, the municipality, guided by structural engineers, completed an interim solution to stabilise the undermined foundation, preventing further movement and damage,” he explained.
“This temporary measure ensures the building’s stability until a permanent solution is implemented. Ongoing monitoring of the foundations is in place.”
Grobbelaar said the municipality has been contacted by a number of concerned residents, inquiring when it would address and remedy the matter
The municipality will implement long-term solution early next year, with the tender for the repair work having closed on Thursday 30 November. “An evaluation for the most cost-effective long-term solution is underway,” Grobbelaar added.
“Restoration work is anticipated to begin early in the new year, reflecting the municipality’s steadfast commitment to repairing the iconic building damaged by severe flooding.”
