DJ VAN ROOYEN writes:
We, as surrounding neighbours, are fed up with the non-response regarding the filthy property at 37 Rietfontein Road.
The perception is that our health department either does not have the power or approves of properties being a health hazard.
This property belongs to the department of health (unbelievable) and has been unoccupied for at least five to six years. Occasionally it is occupied, but due to the dilapidated state of the house and the unattended garden, the occupants move out after a month or two.
The department of health occasionally sends people to clean the pavement just before a person moves in, but due to a remote-operated gate, the inside never gets cleaned.
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A few years ago a guard used to live on the property. A neighbour saw the guard making a fire inside the garage and contacted the fire department, which was not interested in going there.
Their excuse: the house was not on fire. This is basically the response we get from council employees. Nobody is prepared to take on the department of health to attend to their property.
We have reported this property to the health department and recently sent an e-mail to the DA, as well. They did not even have the decency to reply, never mind do something about it.
We have contacted the department of health many times and an offer was made by a resident to buy the property, but nothing gets done to ensure the cleanliness of the property.
I assume the message we should accept is that people are put into positions just for the money and not to actually serve the community paying their salaries. That goes for council employees and councillors.
A few weekends ago I asked my gardener to cut the grass on the sidewalk at my expense, to stop people from hiding in it.
With the upcoming elections, I wonder if it is worth the effort to go and stand in a queue to vote for people not even responding to an e-mail.
Themba Gadebe, metro spokesman, replied: ”An inspection was conducted on the premises and a 14-day notice was issued to the owner of the property to clean and keep the property in a sterile condition to prevent any health hazards.
”Once the 14-day notice has expired a follow-up inspection will be carried out and, if necessary, further action will be taken.”
Ward councillor Jaco Terblanche replied: ”I received a complaint from a resident on March 23 regarding the condition of this property.
”I asked the building control department to investigate the complaint and provide feedback. However, I received no feedback from them.
”Environmental health issued a notice to the owner of the property to clean up within 14 working days. The owner did not adhere to the notice and the department is busy with a tender to appoint a company to clean the stand.
”The owner will be responsible for the cost. No time frames were given to me but I follow it up regularly.”
