Informal settlement growing
HIGHLANDS NORTH - An informal settlement is on the rise at an abandoned tennis court around the Hilson Park Bowling and Cricket Clubs in Highlands North.
Squatters had moved into the old tennis clubhouse which had been left vacant for some time, the informal settlers had also erected structures made of plastic and other waste materials on the tennis courts, which have above-the-waist weeds growing.
Chairman of the Hilson Park Cricket Club Shaun van Niekerk said he was aware of the squatters and they did not pose much of a problem for the club. He said they were going about with their own business, however he noted that if the settlement were to grow in population, it could potentially become a problem.
Ward 74 Councillor Jack Cooper visited the area and said the squatters may had been scared off because he didn’t see any of their structures, the doors to the clubhouse had also been locked. He added that although he had not received any complaints from residents, Johannesburg Property was in charge of the land. “They told me it was going to be sold on tender but didn’t provide much details. The property has deteriorated,” he added.
