AFTER years of suffering and living in fear of walking down Madeline Street in Morningside residents are breathing a sigh of relief at witnessing the securing of a problematic property which had been overtaken by homeless people.

“We are truly relieved and grateful that action has finally been take about this house,” said Lucas Mtimba who lives and works in the area. He said the derelict property had become a home to criminal elements who were terrorising the neighbourhood.

“They were robbing people and breaking into businesses. We were not getting a moment’s peace,” added Mtimba. This was also confirmed by long-term resident Pavisha Naidoo, who detailed 10 years of living in fear of walking past the property.

“It used to be a beautiful house but over the years it became a safety concern and an eyesore for the community,” said Naidoo. “I remember my sister and I being too scared to walk down the street to and from school. She was in primary at the time and had to wait for me at the bottom of the street so that I could walk her home when my parents were not able to.”

Also Read: Problematic Florida Road property secured after enforcement blitz

Naidoo said overs the years the property, which was once a nursing home, deteriorated and was left in a neglected state. Residents and local businesses harboured hope of the owners reclaiming it.

“When we saw signs saying they are looking for an investor, each time we thought finally there is hope but nothing ever happened despite us constantly complaining and calling for intervention,” said Naidoo, who was pleased at seeing the property being fenced and boarded up.

Ward 27 councillor Ernest Smith said that it was a long road getting to the point of securing the property after many failed attempts by the City to reach the owners regarding refurbishing the property.

“The community and I have been pushing for the last five years, since the influx of homeless people into the property, for the owners to do something about the property,” said Smith.

Also Read: Bad buildings problem dominates Morningside community meeting

Recently it reached the point where municipality appointed Zillion Construction and BG Mazongolo to attend to and secure the property. Nathi Nyawo of Zillion Construction said around 20 tonnes of waste and rubble was removed from the property.

“This is only the first phase and I am grateful to the community for helping to put pressure on the municipality,” said Smith. “We are seeking further intervention and remedies as more action is required. Just because the property has been secured it does not entirely stop people from taking over an abandoned building.”

He added, “I will be meeting with the Bad Buildings Unit to continue monitoring the property to see if this has elevated the problem or if it requires further action, possibly demolishing.”

For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here