Problematic Florida Road property secured after enforcement blitz
Florida Road property in Morningside cleared of illegal occupants as UIP and authorities restore safety and order.
THE homeless people who were illegally occupying a vacant and decaying property on Florida Road in Morningside have been removed and the entrances to the building sealed to prevent their return.
The reclaiming and securing of the property happened on Tuesday following the efforts of the Florida Road UIP which co-ordinated and led the multi-stakeholder intervention “to restore safety, cleanliness, and compliance within the Morningside precinct”.
The UIP was joined by Durban Metropolitan Police Service (DMPS), Florida Road Satellite Station, eThekwini Parks, Recreation and Culture Department, Enviro Guys, Cerberus Security and Blue Security for the operation.
Jessie Shane, Florida Road UIP PR and marketing manager, said the vacant property had been taken over by homeless people who had made it their home. “It was linked to ongoing illegal activity, posing a risk to public safety and the surrounding community,” said Shane.
Also Read: Clean-up makes way for tuk-tuks on Florida Road
“A contractor has been appointed to secure and block up the property to prevent unlawful re-occupation, and a security company will be stationed on site to monitor the premises and safeguard against further illegal activity.”
UIP steps up safety efforts
She said the intervention was led by Florida Road UIP Road Manager Odwa Nondywana and began at 09:30, with all roleplayers convening at Gordon Road Park.
“This joint effort was critical in addressing longstanding concerns around urban decay, unlawful occupation, and environmental health, while reinforcing a visible law enforcement and compliance presence in the area,” said Shane.
During the operation, the Parks Department loaded multiple truckloads of waste removed from the property, significantly improving the environmental condition of the site. Shane said as part of ongoing monitoring and enforcement, measures will be put in place to form part of a broader strategy to ensure long-term safety, compliance, and stability within the precinct.
“As part of the continued intervention strategy, Durban Solid Waste (DSW) will conduct further clean-ups on the property to ensure the site remains clear and compliant,” added Shane.
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