Recyclers and squatters in Bedfordview take over vacant land
Vagrants occupying vacant land in Bedfordview have raised concerns from stakeholders and residents about property safety, community welfare as well as broader urban planning implications.
Bedfordview is seeing a spike in recyclers and squatters occupying vacant stands and land.
Vagrants have taken refuge at these neglected properties though some are without ablution facilities or access to water.
This has led to concerns from stakeholders and residents about property safety, community welfare as well as broader urban planning implications.
According to Ward 20 Clr Jill Humphreys, some vacant stands have been infiltrated by squatters.
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They are found at Morninghill Koppie (behind Gilloolys Farm); Bill Stewart Nature Reserve; N3 servitude between van Buuren and N3; R24 servitude between R24 and Boeing Road East; Bedfordview Post Office; Posselt Park, between Kirkby Road and Leicester Road; 136 Boeing Road East; Harper Road; and the private vacant stand near Concorde East.
She said vagrants are also ‘occupying’ pavements and shopping centres.
Humphreys said efforts taken to address the situation are usually made by private security companies.
“Rural people are streaming into the city beyond what can be accommodated. Rapid urbanisation is the status quo in all our cities as a result of a collapsed economy.
“The rural villages have collapsed and only the cities are seen as places of opportunity,” she said.
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Humphreys also pointed out that homeless shelters are limited and have rules that are often not acceptable to many homeless people.
“Private security companies, SAPS and EMPD do respond when possible.”
The City of Ekurhuleni said they are not aware of the infiltration of the mentioned properties by the squatters.
“The matter requires a multi-departmental approach between the Real Estate, Health and Social Development and Metro Police departments.
“Some of the properties in the list fall under the jurisdiction of the CoE and others might require intervention from external stakeholders such as SANRAL and the Gauteng Department of Social Development,” said the CoE’s spokesperson, Zweli Dlamini.
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Dlamini said a joint site inspection between the departments will be arranged as soon as possible to investigate the extent of the matter and a plan to resolve the challenge will be determined.
