Joint operation tackles homelessness

A joint operation led by Edenvale’s Customer Care Centre saw the municipality descend on a portion of Eastleigh Spruit to restore the beauty of the area.

The interdepartmental operation, which was the third of its kind in the area since September, saw the homeless living there and near Consalves Road being removed. The operation was held on July 28.

Edenvale CCC manager Khosi Dlamini said the city decided to conduct the operation along Eastleigh Spruit after completing operations at the Edenvale Sports Grounds and Horwoods’ Farm.

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“The operations formed part of the city’s service delivery,” said Dlamini.

She said after conducting operations at Edenvale Sports Grounds and Horwoods’ Farm, Eastleigh residents informed the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) of an influx of homeless individuals living along the Spruit and near Consalves Road.

CoE departments that assisted in the operation included real estate (property division), solid wastes, parks, social development, EMPD and environmental conservation.

The area manager for CoE’s Department of Real Estate (property division), Siphokazi Mekane, said the issue of municipal properties being invaded by the homeless is not isolated to Edenvale.

She said the Covid-19 pandemic saw an increase in the number of homeless people living on municipal properties.

“The city is in the process of reclaiming and preserving parks and areas, which should be developed for the community,” said Mekane.

CoE chief social worker Vhangani Makhalimela said when the city is notified of homeless individuals living on municipal property, they try to engage with them to see if they can be assisted.

He said such an assessment includes what drove the individuals from their homes or where they were staying and what attracted them to the streets or where they are currently living.

By conducting the assessments, Makhalimela said the city can offer assistance to the homeless through counselling, rehabilitation and shelters.

He said in some instances, the individuals living on municipal land are not necessarily homeless but do have places of residence somewhere else.

Makhalimela said once the assessments are completed and assistance is offered, the homeless are given a notification to vacate the property.

He said the time frame to vacate the property often depends on the homeless individuals and how much time they need to move their belongings.

“I am delighted and thankful for this operation,” said Ward 18 Clr Heather Hart.

“I appreciate the city taking this matter as seriously as it is and only hope that it never gets this bad again.”

Hart said to prevent the problem from reoccurring, the CoE needs to follow up on EMPD’s suggestion of securing and demarcating the area along the Eastleigh Spruit as a conservation area.

“By doing this, people found in the area can be arrested for trespassing.”

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