CALLS are mounting for a permanent solution to eThekwini’s homeless people crisis following this morning’s clean-up operation of a vacant plot on Khuzimpi Shezi Road (former Williams Road) which is being occupied by those moved on from Albert Park recently.

Durban Metro Police accompanied by Durban Solid Waste (DSW) and members of the Urban Improvement Precinct (UIP) oversaw the operation where the group of homeless people had to assist in cleaning up the area following complaints from neighbouring businesses. “We had to act after receiving complaints from concerned residents and local businesses in the area,” said Metro Police spokesperson Colonel Boysie Zungu.

He said the aim of the operation was to clean up the plot. “At the moment it’s too early to confirm the success of the operation as it is still ongoing. We’ll know more by the end of the day. As Metro Police, our job is to act on complaints received and we cannot confirm whether they will continue to stay there or not.”

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This was also a concern shared by members of the Safety and Emergency Services Committee who visited the area on Friday. Committee member and neighbouring Ward 33 Councillor, Fran Kristopher, said the people were asked to remove the makeshift shelters that they had put up and to clean up the area.

“We are proposing for better solutions,” said Kristopher. “Metro Captain Joshua Chetty stated that they keep clearing parks in the surrounding area, moving homeless from one end to another, however, the problems just shift and start affecting residents and businesses in that area.”

She added, “The City needs to come up with permanent solutions; these displacements from one eyesore to another is not resolving the issues, it’s compounding it. We are not taking responsibility for the issues we are faced with in its entirety.”

With safety remaining a key issue for residents and business, Kristopher said Umbilo CPF chairperson, Calvin Thomas, also engaged with the homeless people and stated they will be monitoring the area. “He also warned them to not interfere with the surrounding businesses and passersby. He also reiterated that this was a temporary place until the City finds permanent solutions to this problem,” said Kristopher.

When the Berea Mail arrived this morning, some of the shelters had been removed and the area was being cleaned by the homeless people living there.

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