People living in the abandoned bowling club in Observatory have been left in the dark and they don’t know where to go to receive assistance.
*Themba Masilela said they were given permission to occupy the premises.
“I lived alone before in the club as the caretaker and over the years people moved in and they were allowed to stay because they have nowhere to go,” said Masilela.
There are over 30 people living in the building without electricity.
Mayor Clr Herman Mashaba visited the park in May as part of his visible service delivery clean-up campaign.
The mayor instructed City Power to disconnect power until such time as the account was verified regarding payment, since no one is allowed to use city resources without paying.
According to the occupant’s knowledge, the electricity does get paid by a donor.
“For years we have been living here. We always had electricity. Officials have visited the place before and no one ever said anything about the electricity not being paid.
“Promises were made to fix the place and find us accommodation. We were surprised when the mayor cut off the electricity,” said Masilela.
Ward 66 Clr Carlos Da Rocha said the bowling club situation has been an ongoing battle.
“I have made many attempts to save and restore the club. I even approached the speaker of council for help as records show. Joburg Property Company was instructed by the speaker to assist me in dealing with this club. JPC went as far as instituting an eviction order through the courts,” said Da Rocha.
“I assisted with all the necessary documentation that was needed for the eviction, only for JPC not to continue with the eviction,” said Da Rocha.
He said this has been a problem for residents, but, as a councillor, he cannot evict people without providing them with accommodation.
“I have been trying to help all parties involved. Any eviction by law has to be done via the courts and the city must provide alternative accommodation,” said Da Rocha.
The EXPRESS made attempts to obtain comment from JPC regarding the payment of electricity by a donor, maintenance and the future of the current occupants.
The inquiry was sent to JPC on July 2 and comment was requested by July 3.
At the time of going to print, no comment had been received.
*Name changed as the occupant fears intimidation.
