The owner of an abandoned property in Bedfordview is yet to be identified and located by the City of Ekurhuleni.

The abandoned property on Riley and Van Buuren roads was noticed by concerned residents, who raised the issue with Ward 20 councillor Jill Humphreys.

Humphreys said the residents of Protea Road and the surrounding neighbourhood had voiced growing concerns over the neglected and apparently abandoned building.

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“The property, which currently stands vacant, has become increasingly unsightly, with grass and weeds growing through the paving and around the premises. Community members say the deteriorating condition of the building creates a poor first impression for visitors entering the area and detracts from the appearance of our suburb,” expressed the councillor.

Community members also expressed concern about the number of new townhouse developments currently under construction along Protea Road, with residents fearing that the property’s neglected state could negatively affect the marketability and value of these new developments and the current ones.

“Beyond aesthetic concerns, community members are worried about potential safety and security risks; an unoccupied and poorly maintained building could attract vandalism, illegal occupation, and other undesirable activities.”

Residents acknowledged Better Bedfordview for mowing the pavement of the property.

Better Bedfordview chairperson Marina Constas said the appearance of any major entrance point into Bedfordview is extremely important, as it creates the first impression for residents, visitors, investors, businesses, and potential property buyers.

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“Well-maintained entrances contribute to a sense of pride, safety, and community identity.

“Conversely, neglected areas can create a perception of decline, even where significant positive work is being undertaken elsewhere in the suburb.

“Attractive and well-maintained gateways help reinforce Bedfordview’s reputation as a desirable place to live, work, and invest,” said Constas.

She added that complaints about neglected properties are received regularly from residents, businesses, and community stakeholders.

Such complaints typically concern overgrown vegetation, illegal dumping, deteriorating buildings, inadequate maintenance, security concerns, and the negative impact these properties have on neighbouring properties and the broader streetscape.

Constas noted that the frequency of complaints highlights the community’s desire to maintain high standards within Bedfordview and preserve property values.

“Better Bedfordview has played an active role in maintaining and enhancing public spaces surrounding dilapidated properties through regular cleaning, litter collection, grass cutting, weed removal, pothole repairs, kerb painting, landscaping, and general urban upliftment initiatives.

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“Our teams work daily throughout the suburb to improve the overall appearance of Bedfordview and to create a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming environment for all stakeholders,” said Constas.

She said one of the greatest challenges is that privately owned properties remain the responsibility of their owners.

While Better Bedfordview can engage with property owners, facilitate discussions, and where appropriate liaise with municipal authorities, they have limited authority to intervene directly on private land.

Additional challenges include absentee owners, ownership disputes, financial constraints on property maintenance, lengthy municipal enforcement processes, and legal limitations on access to and maintenance of private property without the owner’s consent.

The chair suggested that addressing neglected properties requires a collaborative approach involving property owners, the municipality, community organisations, and local stakeholders.

She added, “We would recommend stronger enforcement of municipal by-laws relating to property maintenance and public health.”

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City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said the city was not aware of the complaint regarding the property and only became aware of the matter upon receipt of the media enquiry.

He said that when a privately owned property falls into a state of neglect, a statutory notice will be issued to the property owner, requiring the property to be maintained in a clean and hygienic condition. The compliance timeframe would be stipulated in the notice.

He added that there are By-Laws that require a property owner to maintain vacant buildings. These include the Ekurhuleni Municipality Public Health by-laws, Local Authority Notice 1908 of November 27, 2009, and the City Development by-laws.

Dlamini said an inspection for safety and security concerns was conducted on the property on June 23.

“Officials from the Environmental Health Division (Community Service Department) and Building Control (City Development) will conduct an inspection in accordance with their respective mandates and issue a compliance notice to the owner, stipulating the timeframe within which the required corrective measures must be undertaken,” said Dlamini.

He added that the estimated timeframe for addressing the matter is approximately 30 days, as the city is still in the process of identifying and locating the property owner.