Residents fed up with filthy house in La Rochelle

SOME residents have had enough of the smell from a filthy house on 8th Street in La Rochelle.

Apparently, the owner of the house moved out many years ago leaving the place vacant. But now the house is being occupied by the homeless, who residents believe, leave their litter and urinate everywhere.

Ward 57 Clr Faeeza Chame told the COURIER that since her appointment she has been reporting the house to Environmental Health Department.

“I know for sure that residents are up in arms about this property. I do go to the house and speak to the people living there about keeping the place clean while the city is trying to locate the owner. I just wish they can speed up the process. I have also liaised with Pikitup to go there on a regular basis to give them bags for all their rubbish,” said Chame.

It is further alleged that the occupants also opened an unauthorised flea market on the property where they sell wardrobes, kettles and sofas. Occupants say they make the furniture with their own hands and they get the material to build it from wood around the area.

The house is currently housing around 20 people and most of them are unemployed.

The COURIER asked one of the occupants about the allegations and he said: “We don’t make the place look dirty and we help residents in so many ways. The place was a danger zone before we settled here. It was messy to an unbelievable extent so it pains me to hear that some people are complaining about us.”

For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.

Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za

Add us on WhatsApp today! Comaro Chronicle: 079 427 8074 and Southern Courier: 079 404 5789.

Get regular news updates sent directly to your inbox: Newsletter-Signup