The debate surrounding the state of Barry Hertzog Park is far from over.
Councillor, Lindiwe Khoza called for the community to unite at the annual Ward 5 meeting at Panorama High School on April 3.
Communal housing was soon at the top of the agenda; an age-old argument to those who call Barry Hertzog Park home. Living in a ‘disaster zone’, some believe their prayers for intervention will continue to go unanswered.
During the meeting, Cllr Khoza revealed a shocking statistic to those in attendance. She claimed Newcastle Municipality had identified 236 communal homes in the area to date.
Let’s put things into perspective
In May 2015, AfriForum’s Provincial Coordinator, Chris Fourie claimed the municipality had identified 94 illegal communes in Barry Hertzog Park.
He previously told the Newcastle Advertiser more than 20 people were reportedly residing in a single home.
While ‘urban sprawl’ was welcomed, Mr Fourie alleged the conditions people were living in was ‘unspeakable’ and well below minimum municipal health standards.
Bearing the figures listed above in mind, it seems an additional 142 student residences have been established within less than a year.
Fast-forward to 2016
Newly elected chairperson of Ward 5 Community Policing Forum (CPF), Johan Harmse said the influx in the number of students to the area was alarming.
Furthermore, he said he had been living in Barry Hertzog Park for more than 20 years, and had no intention of leaving.
“I don’t want to move away. I want to stay here and clean up our area,” he explained.
Several others, who requested to remain anonymous, claimed disorderly students were breaking glass bottles on the sidewalks and causing chaos on the streets.
“We are still going to have riots here,” an elderly resident warned.
According to Siyanda Ndawonde, a Field Officer at the Department of Community Services and Liaison, the community took the matter of communes too lightly when it first cropped up, and saw an opportunity to make extra ‘cash’.
“Now, it’s uncontrollable,” he added.
According to Cllr Khoza, the municipality is currently investigating the rampant issue of communal housing within the zone.
“It’s in the pipeline. Only three communal home owners have come forward; the others don’t show up for meetings.”
She requested residents submit a second official petition to the municipality, as a final plea from the powers that be.
Several officials called for the relevant departments to attend a public meeting, and provide answers to pressing questions. The meeting expected to transpire towards the end of April.
“With all these concerns we have raised now, let’s set a target date and receive feedback on all the specific points. That way, we can move forward,” concluded Mr Harmse.
Do you think Barry Hertzog Park will ever be restored to its former glory? Email your thoughts and feedback to ncschools@caxton.co.za
