Neglected stands need attention

It is greatly appreciated seeing parts of Ballito being cleaned up and, as a family that made Ballito “home” some years ago, it is indeed a joy to see the process and effort being made to keep the streets and pavements clean. Thank you.
My great concern, however, is the vacant stands scattered all over Ballito that need urgent attention. I invite the powers that be to drive along Avondale Road and take note of the vacant stands that are totally overgrown with alien vegetation – not a healthy situation in more ways than one, i e criminal activity/hideouts, rodents/snakes and spread of alien plants into the neighbourhood, to name a few.
Stands in this sad, unsightly state now pose another situation – people dumping their garden refuse, boxes and rubbish. This is evident on the vacant stand next to no 16 Avondale Road and I am sure this is happening on many other vacant, overgrown stands.
Not only should grass/weeds/alien vegetation be cut down, but steps also must be taken to eradicate the alien vegetation that grows back stronger each time and also spreads to gardens and surrounding areas. With scores of unemployed people hanging around desperate to earn something for food for that day, surely this problem can be addressed?
This state of affairs that should be handled by the municipality is affecting the value of our properties and homes that we responsible homeowners take pride in.
Years ago the onus was on the landowner to keep his/her piece of ground in order. If not, a hefty fine was issued by the municipality. If the municipality cut the grass and cleaned up that stand, it was charged to the owner, plus the fine, which made the owner think twice about owning a stand and simply leaving it unattended and uncared for.
We pay our rates and taxes and we expect this kind of issue to be taken care of.
M COMBRINCK
Ballito