Residents and business owners in Menlo Park are calling on the Tshwane metro to urgently intervene at the former Scout Hall on the corner of 26th Street and Umgazi Road, saying the city-owned property has become a source of fear, neglect, and urban decay.

The building, which residents say has been deteriorating for years, is allegedly being occupied by people who are illegally sleeping, living, and trading from the property.

According to resident Quintin Wiehahn, fires are regularly made inside the building, while rubbish, damaged vehicles, and litter continue to accumulate on the site.

Speaking on behalf of concerned residents, Wiehahn said the property has effectively become a dumping site and informal trading area.

“People are moving in and out of the property, rubbish and litter around the site, stripped or damaged vehicles, broken or removed windows, and fires being made inside the building.”

Wiehahn said the building’s location makes the situation particularly concerning.

He explained that it is situated between residential properties and businesses. Students, workers, residents and visitors pass by it daily.

“The visible deterioration, litter, unsafe conditions and general neglect create a strong sense of risk and disorder in an area that should be safe, clean, and properly maintained,” he said.

According to him, concerns about the property have existed for more than five years, but conditions have worsened dramatically during the past year.

The building’s decline is also affecting nearby businesses.

Wiehahn said guests visiting local hospitality establishments are often confronted by the neglected property before reaching their destination.

“It contributes to an atmosphere of insecurity, untidiness, and neglect and gives the impression that there is a lack of municipal support and infrastructure maintenance.”

He added that while he could not directly link criminal incidents to the property, the condition of the site has contributed to growing concerns among residents and employees.

According to Wiehahn, some of their staff have been mugged, and vehicles have been stolen from their property.

“While I cannot say that every incident is directly linked to the former Scout Hall, the ongoing occupation and deterioration of the site have clearly contributed to a growing sense of vulnerability and concern among residents, staff and businesses nearby.”

Ward 82 councillor Siobhan Muller said the property has been the subject of community complaints for many years.

She said unlawful occupants were previously removed from the building following a court order.

“We eventually got a court order and got the people out,” Muller said.

However, she alleged the property was never properly secured after the eviction.

“We caught people vandalising there and I opened a case against the people. That case went nowhere.”

Muller said people have once again moved into the building and are operating a business from the sidewalk outside the property.

According to her, they plug into the electricity of other properties, and the suspicion is that they are linked to crime in the area.

Muller added that repeated complaints have been submitted to municipal officials and departments, but residents have yet to see meaningful action.

“We have sent it through repeatedly. All we get is vague promises that they are going to do something,” she said.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo confirmed that the property, known as the remainder of Erf 757 Menlo Park, belongs to the municipality.

“The matter has recently been brought to the attention of the city and is under investigation,” said Mashigo.

According to Mashigo, the metro’s law enforcement branch has commenced with regular monitoring and enforcement activities at the property.

He added that municipal departments have already conducted inspections and developed a preliminary intervention plan.

“The city is currently developing an integrated intervention and clean-up plan for the property,” Mashigo said.

“This initiative will involve co-ordinated intervention between law enforcement units, the regional office, as well as the Environmental Management Department.”

He said the metro is also investigating the future use of the site.

“The city is currently undertaking a highest and best use feasibility assessment for the property. The outcome of this assessment will inform the most appropriate use and development of the site.”

Responding to residents’ concerns about safety and urban decay, Mashigo said the municipality acknowledged the community’s frustrations.

He urged residents to report any criminal activities to the TMPD or SAPS for immediate action.

Mashigo added that the metro will continue to implement and enforce its by-laws, urban management strategies and regeneration programmes aimed at preventing urban decay and promoting sustainable urban environments.

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