Residents still living in squalor
Despite council stating it would take action, residents in a Judith’s Paarl house continue to live in squalor and pose a health risk to themselves and others.
Earlier this year, the EXPRESS reported that there were more than 20 people living in a hijacked house in Millbourne Road.
The main house, between properties that are maintained, was falling apart. People living on the property had vandalised the house to such an extent that was posing a danger to them.
Ceilings and the roof were damaged. Soiled carpets covered broken wooden flooring and residents used just about any open area as a toilet.
The property, also home to shack dwellers, was littered with garbage that was attracting flies and rats.
At the time, Clr Carlos da Rocha from ward 66, said he told residents to clean up the property but they refused to do so.
Although numerous inspections were conducted at the property over the years and each report by officials called for urgent intervention or legal action, Clr Da Rocha said nothing was done by the City of Johannesburg (CoJ).
At the time, Ms Thembelihle Radebe from CoJ, told the EXPRESS the Johannesburg Property Company confirmed the stand is council-owned. Soon after however, Mr Nthatise Modingoane, from CoJ, said action would be taken against the Millbourne Road property owner for abandoning and leaving it to deteriorate.
Last week Clr Da Rocha said it seemed nothing had been done to address concerns.
“The property is still a mess. Council should have cleaned the property and found alternate accommodation for the residents if the property is council-owned. They should have taken action, especially following a report from environmental health officials who said the property was not fit for habitation. If this property is really council-owned however, I am not surprised at its state. There are numerous council-owned properties that are in a terrible state and no one is taking the problems seriously. It is now spring. Soon it will be summer and this means that rats and flies will be back. Council has to take health concerns seriously,” said Clr Da Rocha.
He said council is creating problems instead of addressing them.
“A council-owned property in Derby Road is still a mess. The land is covered with rubble and other garbage. Children play in this mess and people sift through the garbage for recyclable items. When is council going to take responsibility?” questioned Clr Da Rocha.
