CoE inspection uncovers squatters in Bedfordview
City spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said their investigation confirmed that two properties were occupied - the Bedfordview Post Office, owned by the municipality, and 136 Boeing Road East (a private vacant stand).
With the recent spike in recyclers and settlers moving into Bedfordview, the CoE did an inspection to assess the matter.
This follows an article published in the Bedfordview Edenvale News recently, detailing how vagrants have taken refuge at some neglected properties in the area.
The article shared concerns from stakeholders and residents about property safety, community welfare and the broader urban planning implications.
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CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said their investigation confirmed that people had occupied two properties – the Bedfordview Post Office, owned by the municipality, and 136 Boeing Road East (a private vacant stand).
“While inspecting 136 Boeing Road East, they found squatters. However, we cannot confirm the number because it is dangerous to access without the police’s help.
“There are allegations of recycling activities taking place on the property. The property is overgrown, with bushes that make it more difficult to access,” explained Dlamini.
He said the city would collaborate with the Health and Social Development Department to address the matter.
“The city’s Health and Social Development visited a church in Bedfordview on May 2 where homeless people usually gather for food donations.
“The purpose was to assess the extent of the problem, who the homeless people are, their backgrounds, where they originally come from, and establish a possibility of reuniting them with their families or finding shelters to accommodate those willing.”
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He said the first visit on May 2 was for assessment, and the profiling will happen on May 9 with the Provincial Health and Social Development Department.
“We will investigate the possibility of fencing off properties and/or providing security to minimise the invasion of properties by the homeless. We will engage the city’s Facilities Management Division of the Real Estate Department to assist.”
Dlamimi said the city’s biggest challenge in dealing with this matter is that the homeless people or squatters are not on-site at inspection times.
He said managing homeless people is the responsibility of the Provincial Department of Health and Social Development.
“However, the challenge affects us all, so it is crucial to work together toward finding a solution to the problem.
“That is why the city’s Department of Health and Social Development invited the provincial department to join the initiative. The provincial department has confirmed its availability to attend on May 9,” said Dlamini.
According to Dlamini, they will join hands with the ward councillor and relevant departments to find solutions.
“It has come to our attention, through the local Ward councillor, that other stakeholders have been working hard to try and resolve the situation.
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“The city intends to consult with such stakeholders to share ideas and find working solutions to resolve the impasse.”
Looking at long-term solutions, he said different policies deal with council-owned and privately-owned vacant land.
“It is crucial the city extensively engages in this matter, not only in the Bedfordview area but city-wide,” said Dlamini.
