Resident frustrated with problem property
Overcrowding and problem properties are slowly increasing in Kensington and residents are urging council to take action.
Last week a Kensington resident, who did not want his name published, said over the past few years he has had a major problem with rats coming from an adjacent property.
“The adjacent premises are occupied by various people who seem to be quite content to occupy the house and various outbuildings regardless of the rubbish or filth that is piled up in the so-called garden.
“Rubble has been lying on the property for years. Surely this poses a health problem? There is constant noise and several people go in and out of this property on a daily basis.
“Most residents in the area keep their properties clean but this property is in a terrible state. It is frustrating that some people choose to live the way they do,” he said.
The man said that despite reporting the problem to council on numerous occasions, no action has been taken.
“Officials from environmental health, which included a supervisor, did visit the property. However, no action was taken. The city sends notifications to residents stating that if we have complaints we should report it to them, however, when we do, nothing is done.
“We are paying rates and taxes and have invested in our properties. We should not be forced to live like this when there are bylaws that are supposed to be upheld,” said the man.
Over the past few years, several Kensington residents warned of the possible deterioration of the suburb if the few problem houses in the suburb were not attended to. They were afraid it would soon become like areas such as Malvern and Bertrams.
The EXPRESS forwarded an enquiry to the city on May 12. The deadline for comment was on May 14 by 12-noon. Ms Thembelihle Radebe said she was waiting for a response from the relevant people. At the time of going to print, no comment had been received.
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