Rats, snakes, vagrants, illegal dumping, falling property values and crime are only a few of the problems caused by empty buildings in the Moot, according to local ward councillors.
“The number of empty properties is a problem,” said ward 1 councillor Elma Nel.
In the past, Rekord has reported on several abandoned or dilapidated properties in the area.
These properties are located in neighbourhoods such as East Lynne, Eersterust, Capital Park, Queenswood, Waverley and Wonderboom South.
“This is a big problem because these properties are all private properties and there is not much that the metro can do about them.”
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She said it was also sometimes difficult to track the owner of such properties down.
“What then usually happens is, if the metro can gain access, they clean the property at their own cost and bill it to the owner,” she said.
“This becomes an issue, especially if the owner cannot be tracked down to pay.”
Nel urged residents to make sure that when buying a property and it is empty to make sure that it is properly secured.
She said a secure fence could be erected around a property.
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“Be responsible and keep an eye on your property,” she said.
“If you are living in another province, make sure there is someone who can regularly monitor the property.”
She said when a property is left empty, it quickly becomes a shelter for vagrants or a spot for illegal dumping.
Local ward councillor Elmarie Linde said empty and neglected properties were also an problem in her ward.
“This, especially, creates an issue with unwanted pests such as snakes and rats for neighbours,” Linde said.
She said it was important to remember that the metro could issue fines if a property was not maintained.
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