Temperatures rise as issues remain unsolved

After 63 days, no response has been received from the Newcastle Municipality about 40 alleged illegal communes.

The burning question was what resolution could be offered to the residents of Barry Hertzog Park.

In a previous edition of the Newcastle Advertiser, officials within the municipality confirmed they had not received any media enquiries and could not comment.

According to a verbal agreement with the Municipal Communications Department, the relevant parties would attempt to answer media enquiries within three working days. Residents’ frustration with said department is allegedly therefore warranted.

The situation digressed further during the festive season, with residents allegedly identifying more homes being converted into illegal communes.

An irate resident explained she had been living in Barry Hertzog Park for many years and could not fathom how the situation could have been allowed to deteriorate to such an extent. She and her husband were allegedly finding it difficult to sell their home because the area’s poor reputation had ‘preceded’ itself.

The municipality’s lacklustre attitude towards addressing the issues was met with a mutual feeling among residents that enough was enough.

Residents and the media will continue to put pressure on authorities until they are satisfied the municipality has nothing but their best interests at heart.