Residents want answers

RESIDENTS living near the Star Children's Home in Durban are questioning why the property has been allowed to deteriorate to the extent that it has.

According to resident, Rookaya Vawda, the property is now derelict and is being vandalised.

“The buildings are being vandalised, the garden is unkempt and the grass and trees are overgrown. Sadly, the security guards that are supposed to be taking care of property are seldom seen,” she said.

Some residents have also complained about an increase in fleas and mosquitos and believe this is due to the overgrowth on the property. Vawda said she had also written to the municipality about the trees in Isaac Nathaniel Crescent which need to be trimmed.

“It's over a year since the property was leased to a Johannesburg newspaper. Since then, the home has closed we believe, because of a lack of funds. Shouldn't the municipality contact them and ask them to take care of the property or cancel the lease? We as a concerned group of residents from North Beach would like to know what plans the municipality has for the home. We are aware that many organisations have submitted proposals,” she said.

Vawda said there is a dire need for an old age home, frail care as well as a rehabilitation facility for disabled individuals in the area.

“There are many elderly and disabled living on their own on the beachfront who require care. I, together with Phoenix Light group, would like to convert the home into such a facility. We have submitted our proposal to the mayor's office,” she said.

In correspondence with the municipality over the past few months, Vawda said she had received only one response from the municipality, which indicated the property was already being leased. They were unable to verify the lessee information and said Vawda would need to approach the Estates Department to determine who the custodian or lessee was.

“I have had no further correspondence on the matter. I still want to know what is going to be done about maintenance of the property, as it is becoming an eyesore,” she said.

Berea Mail first requested comment from the municipality regarding the matter in September. Up until the time of going to press, despite numerous further requests, the city has failed to respond.