The scourge of abandoned and hijacked buildings in the Buffalo City Metro is compromising the safety of residents and businesses, with criminals running their operations from some of these neglected premises. BCM has identified 45 problem buildings, mostly in the East London city centre, Quigney, Southernwood, Vincent, Bonnie Doon, Egoli, Nahoon and Berea.
More than 50 dogs and cats are doomed to die if the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Komani (formerly Queenstown) cannot rehome them by the end of January.
Hundreds of small businesses selling tobacco and e-cigarettes are on the verge of closing down because of a government bill designed to restrict the sale of tobacco products.The Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill was introduced in parliament in June 2023 by the department of health. It is yet to be implemented.
Eastern Cape coastal municipalities are gearing up for the festive season ahead of an expected huge influx of holidaymakers. Buffalo City Metro spokesperson Samkelo Ngwenya said the metro expected more than two million visitors and the city’s safety and security plans were already kicking in. “BCM puts plans in place before the festive season to prepare and manage the influx of public to the various beaches, amenities and events,” he said.