The South Gauteng High Court recently granted the metro authority to bulldoze the property at 2 Durham Street, Western Extension, that has been an eyesore for many years.
The order authorises the metro to take what steps may be necessary to clear the property of accumulated filth, debris, rubbish, glass, paper, rags, tins, lumber, weeds and long grass, and to remove these, together with any other unsanitary items, from the property.
The abandoned house, opposite two primary schools, burnt down almost 10 years ago and has been used as a brothel, drug den and toilet by vagrants and the taxi drivers delivering children to the schools.
“Residents of Western Extension can now breathe a collective sigh of relief,” said the elated Goby.
Goby said the DA will ensure, now that the metro has permission to demolish the building, that it will act swiftly and rehabilitate this site immediately.
A second house, in a similar condition, is also on Goby’s list and she is hoping that matter will get to court very soon.
“The metro should be taking stock of properties that have literally fallen to rack and ruin,” she said.
“Why should rate-paying residents who keep their gardens and pavements neat and well-maintained have to put up with unsightly vacant properties, which attract criminal elements as well as rodents and snakes?”
Council should be setting the example by dealing with such abandoned houses promptly, not dragging its feet for a decade or more.
