Squatters set up shop in Paradise
“We are trying to keep the area safe and clean, but as you enter Paradise, you see this. It is an eyesore.”
Six squatters on Sutherland Street in Paradise have become a thorn in the flesh of residents.
Their shelters, a little braai area and even a couch, indicate they are determined to stay.
Mark Jacobs, a Paradise resident and head of the Paradise Neighbourhood watch, said the squatters had been living the area for a long time.
“I’ve been living in Paradise for a year already and they were here before that,” he confirmed.
Mr Jacobs said although the squatters were not rowdy, one could not ignore safety and health issues.
“We are trying to keep the area safe and clean, but as you enter Paradise, you see this. It is an eyesore.”
The squatters were seen scavenging through rubbish bins, looking for food and other items and leaving a trail of litter in their wake.
“The rubbish, like papers and plastic, also gets blown into the river when it is windy,” said Mr Jacobs disapprovingly.
Another cause of concern brought forward by Mr Jacobs was the lack of toilets and ablution facilities. With no access thereto, the squatters implicated their own health, as well as the health of other residents.
It was also believed the squatters consumed alcohol and smoked dagga, but this could not be confirmed.
Ward 4 Councillor, Tanya de Jager, said at a recent meeting with Paradise residents that she had requested relevant municipal departments to look into the matter.
Zandile Masondo from the Municipal Communication’s Department was unable to supply an official statement on the matter at the time of publication.
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