Drunken debauchery still haunts centre
Initial complaints from residents centred on the state of the nearby postboxes, with some stating they felt uncomfortable fetching their mail.
It is almost a year since the notorious Barry Hertzog Park shisa nyama burned down.
The passage of time has not helped the poor reputation of the Barry Hertzog Centre however, which is still plagued by drunkenness, litter, neglect and blatant disregard of the law.
Centre occupants and business owners are at their wits’ end.
Initial complaints from residents centred on the state of the nearby postboxes, with some stating they felt uncomfortable fetching their mail.
A visit to the site revealed the following:
– Some postbox doors are damaged.
– The fibreglass roofs of the postbox structures are basically non-existent.
– The area is littered with trash including broken glass alcohol bottles.
– Locks meant to secure the post boxes are missing, and are replaced with wire and plastic cord.
One resident said she had to collect post for the business during working hours, and said people drinking nearby often made her feel unsafe.
At times, she added, postboxes were urinated upon.
“Over and beyond the state of the area, children from the school have to see these people drinking and carrying on. They also have to use the area and it’s disgusting.”
Another employee described the centre as the ‘dirtiest place in Newcastle’.
She often felt sad coming to work, due to the grossly neglected condition of the parking area, and admitted there was no body corporate monitoring happenings at the centre.
“It’s not as bad since the shisa nyama closed but now a club opened here.”
Also calling the centre ‘the forgotten area of Newcastle’, the employee said it was clear the municipality had also given up on the area.
“The daily thing now is to have people peeing right outside our shop and we swear at them, but it doesn’t stop.”
Among other noted concerns by residents are:
– Missing storm water and drain covers, with the drains now stuffed with refuse or simply yawning dangerously.
– The parking area is potholed and littered with broken glass.
In a formal response by email, Newcastle SAPS spokesman, Captain Jabulani Ncube said it was the responsibility of the police to ensure no crime was committed, to ensure the safety of residents and to ensure general safety, prevent crime and unruly behaviour.
To this end, he said regular patrols were undertaken in the area.
Capt. Ncube added a person who engaged in public urination could be charged for public indecency, when caught in the act.
Newcastle Municipality failed to respond by the time of publication.
Attempts to liaise with the Communications Specialist for the South African Post Office, Nobuhle Njapha were also fruitless.
ALSO READ: Will Barry Hertzog Park benefit from new By-laws?
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