Moot residents are worried that an abandoned and empty bowling green in the area has become a magnet for criminals.
The property, at the corner of P.S. Foure Avenue and Dove Crescent in Eersterust, belongs to the metro and has not been in use since 1998.
“Even the palisade fence has been stolen,” said former ward councillor and resident, Winston Campbell.
“It is very sad to see how such facilities, which could have been used for many good things, has been neglected.”
ALSO READ: ‘Eldest living Eersterust resident’ dies
He said the building at the old bowling green was also deserted.
“Criminals have slowly but surely also been stripping the building,” he said.
“Now even the roof is gone and all that is left is an empty building which serves as a shelter for unwanted elements.”
There are several similar properties in Eersterust, according to community activist Novina Pillay.
“It is always the same old story,” she said.
“The property is left empty and then it is stripped by criminals.”
Pillay also mentioned the old community hall in Hans Coverdale Road and several other ablution buildings on properties in the area.
Eersterust Action organisation chairman Ricardo Terry said they were aware of the condition of the old bowling green.
“It is one of many properties in the area that has just become a sleeping place for criminals,” he said.
ALSO READ: ‘Historic’ building bane of Eersterust residents
“It is very frustrating for us as residents, because we get no answers from the metro.”
Local area councillor Benjamin Lawrence said he was aware of the facility’s condition.
Lawrence said there was interest from various residents regarding the property’s ownership.
He added, however, he believed the problem would be solved in the near future.
“The metro recently launched a new public participation policy that has delayed the process,” he said.
“But now that everything is back in place, I believe we will quickly get the ball rolling again.”
The metro was unable to comment at the time of going to press.
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
