The abandoned property on Palm and Nartjie Avenues in Greenhills is upsetting the nearby residents as it now covered in shoulder-high grass and heaps of rubbish, giving off an unpleasant odour.
Ellik de Lange, councillor for Ward 6, said the property became a problem when it was abandoned after attempts to develop it had failed. He said the owners of the property wanted to build flats, but eventually demolished the half-built structures.
“The quality of the flats that were being built was not up to standard. I don’t know if the people went bankrupt, but it was all broken down eventually.
“We had a lot of problems while the structures were there. There were people who were dealing with drugs in the area, and people living nearby had many questions.
“Since the buildings were demolished, the property has been standing unused for several years. The grass on the property is just growing taller and taller, and now everyone is using it as a dumping site.”
Also Read: Abandoned homes a criminal’s playground
According to the municipality, the property has two addresses, i.e., 2 Nartjie Avenue, and 3 Palm Avenue, but they are adjacent.
De Lange said the problem is that people are dumping on the property, which is making the situation worse.
“Everyone is dumping any rubbish they can find. I am going to send a query to the Parks Department to clean up the area.”
He said the condition of the property poses a serious health hazard to the people living nearby.
“One person has suggested we set the property alight to clean it, but we are against that course of action. However, people are getting fed up. Just next to it there is a block of flats, with all the residents affected by the bad smell.”
De Lange said there may also be criminal elements hiding on the property.
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