Derelict house continues to anger residents
The problems of the abandoned house in uMgeni Park have resurfaced.
FOR more than two years, residents of Kiaat Place in Durban North have fought with the owner of an abandoned house to clear up his land, which had become a haven for vagrants, rats and snakes, among other problems.
Then in April last year the owner and municipal officials helped clear away the rubble strewn all over the yard and cut back overgrown grass. The stagnant pool water, where thousands of mosquito larvae floated on the surface, was also drained.
However since then, the problems of the abandoned house have resurfaced. Anita de Kock, one of the neighbours, said she could not believe that residents had to start all over again with the getting the property to be cleaned up and maintained.
“About a week ago vagrants came in and stole what doors were left. They have also stolen the downpipes and whatever gutters were left. The swimming pool is again full of water causing a mosquito problem and the garden is once again a total disgrace,” she said.
De Kock said she was concerned about her family’s safety.
“I am worried about our safety. When they (the vagrants) have exhausted what they can steal from this property, will they then descend upon the neighbours’ properties,” she said.
Another resident who, like De Kock, shares a boundary wall with the derelict house, said he has seen vagrants jumping over the wall in to his property. He too is concerned about his safety.
Vagrants have removed a portion of the fence at the bottom of the property and use it as a thoroughfare.
Brian Daish, chairman of sector 4 of the Greenwood Park Community Police Forum, said he had set up a meeting with the owner of the abandoned house to resolve the issue.
“The problem is impacting on Greenwood Park SAPS who have to clear away vagrants who squat in the house. And its manpower the police could use elsewhere,” Daish said.
There has been no response from the owner despite attempts to get comment.
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