Bertrams flats gets fencing

They hope this will prevent more people from moving into the basements and boiler rooms.

Currently, every boiler room and open space available under the flats is home to people who say they have nowhere else to go.

Other residents, however, show no sympathy due to the apparent crime some of these people are involved in.

The people living illegally in the premises are accused of stealing electricity, water and selling drugs and alcohol.

Some have also been accused of stealing other residents’ belongings.

Ms Charmaine Beeton, who lives on the first floor, said, “It is great that we have fencing around the premises now. It is more secure for children. They can play in front rather than at the back of the premises where they are exposed to people selling drugs and so forth. I am happy,” she said.

Ms Penny Francis said she hopes the fencing is the start of more action and improvements to come.

The EXPRESS published several articles in the past about residents who are forced to live in the slum-like conditions.

They are surrounded by floating sewage, are forced to contend with leaking pipes, broken toilets and bathtubs and damp walls.

Some residents on the first floor also have huge holes in their wooden flooring giving free reign to the “basement dwellers”.

Ms Francis, who has been living in the flats for 18 years, said while she welcomes the fencing, officials have to address other problems which pose a safety and health risk.

“Council must get rid of the people living in the basements and boiler rooms. They have been stealing from us over the years and nothing has been done to get them out. They are breaking through retaining walls to make their ‘homes’ bigger. This poses a danger to everyone living in the flats. They also continue to light fires in these rooms and I am afraid of what may happen to us if this is not controlled.

“I have a grandson and daughter living with me. I worry about them and other youngsters. This place is not hygienic. There is a lack of safety. Living conditions are terrible with the sewage and leaking pipes. I know we should be looking after our flats but surely council should be doing their part as well,” said Ms Francis.

She said people should stand together and fight for better living conditions. She also said Bertrams is a great place to live in and questioned why she should move out.

“There are problems that are affecting us and our youth. Do not keep quiet. Demand action. There is a lot that has to be done to improve our living conditions and if we speak out we can achieve something,” she said.

Clr Carlos da Rocha, of ward 66, was thrilled when the fencing was constructed around the flats.

“It is coincidental that the fencing was done soon after an on-site meeting I had with a housing official. I am not sure if the fencing was constructed as a result of the meeting but that does not matter. I hope this means council has taken note of the problems and are going to start improving the residents’ living conditions.

“I have been demanding action from council for years. I will not stop now. It is great that the building is secure but the illegal dwellers have to be removed. I will not rest until residents have an acceptable standard of living,” said Clr Da Rocha.

The EXPRESS forwarded an enquiry to City of Johannesburg officials. At the time of going to print, no comment had been received.