Squatters on Bunyan Street refuse to move
Squatters residing on Bunyan Street, just before the N12 off-ramp, are causing frustration among local residents.
A complainant said they bath in the Middle Lake, hang their clothing and litter in the area.
Clr Mary Goby, in whose ward the area falls, described the vagrants as “an absolute nightmare”.
“They have been moved countless times and, within a few hours or days, they are back,” she said.
“They are insisting that they will not be removed or moved unless the government gives them houses.”
She said she tried to engage with Social Development for help, but was told the department has nowhere for them to go.
“These people have now started sorting out refuse and burning what they cannot recycle,” Goby added.
She said that, when they burn materials, they have no regard to the amount of smoke that goes onto the highway and railway line.
“A major concern is that there are no ablution facilities in the area and they are bathing and washing their clothes in the lake,” she explained.
“We have a high level of e coli in the water at the moment, due to the sewage coming in from Atlasville Spruit — this is a risk for them as well.”
Goby has engaged with the EMPD and will do so again regarding what other plans can be made to remove the vagrants.
