WATCH: Questions surround future of New Germany vacant homes
The houses situated in Sander Road, have been unoccupied for almost 10 years.
FOR years, New Germany residents have wanted answers regarding the two unoccupied houses in Sander Road. These houses have been unoccupied for several years, yet there have been security guards guarding them the whole time.
New Germany CPF chairperson Lynn Robson said that at first, they were told the houses were allocated to two municipal councillors, but to this day, they stand there with overgrown bush.
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According to Robson, one of the houses belonged to a police officer. “When he died, his wife moved out,” she said.
Residents have asked on numerous occasions who is paying the security company for this extensive guarding period.
What’s more, the premises are neglected and not a pretty sight – not only for visitors and residents, but for possible buyers of houses in the area. “They are devaluing our houses,” said a frustrated resident.
Robson said, “A few years ago, hundreds of thousands were spent to refurbish the houses after they were stripped.
“All that money was wasted as the gutters and fences are now falling, and the houses are surrounded by overgrown grass. I shudder to think of the damage inside. We have been pushed from pillar to post; we want answers,” she said.
“They could rent them out or sell them – it’s just that simple. So many people are desperate for houses out here, yet there are two vacant houses,” added a concerned Robson.
Robson said she also feels for the security guards on duty. “What toilet facility do they use? It can’t be healthy for them, as well. Someone out there must know something. Who is liable for making a decision regarding these houses? Are we asking too much?” Robson asked.
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The other problem that the CPF chairperson highlighted was the high number of rat infestations in the New Germany area. “We are really struggling with rat infestations, and we would like to send out an appeal to residents to clean up their yards. We understand that some people have been badly affected by the floods, but we urge people to clean up and throw away things they no longer need instead of keeping them in their yards,” she added.
At the time of going to print, the eThekwini Municipality had not yet responded to Highway Mail’s query.
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