Occupied by approximately 20 individuals the property situated at 74 Seventh Avenue, commonly known as the “white house”, continues to deteriorate.
Ward 18 Clr and Shadow MMC for Town Planning, Heather Hart, said after the owner died the property remained vacant for several years.
“Not only is the property a fire and health hazard, but it is also a contravention of town planning with regards to the amenity of the neighbourhood,” said Hart.
“I have received so many complaints of concerns from community members regarding the health hazard the pile of refuse is creating.”
Hart said she has also received concerns regarding the well-being of those living in the building.
“It’s disturbing that the City of Ekurhuleni has done very little about this matter.”.
Ward 19 Clr Bill Rundle said when the property first became a problem it was unkempt and money was owed to the City.
“Since then it has become a derelict property and a fire hazard,” said Rundle.
“It is an issue that has gone it seems unattended despite being brought to the attention of the City by ward councillors, the CPF, Edenvale City Improvement District and residents.”
Hart said: “The City knows must apply the necessary pressure on the new owner to rectify the property once it transferred.
“Jerimiah Makgai, a resident of the house originally from Limpopo, said although the property has no electricity it has running water.
Makgai told the NEWS he and others have lived in the house for at least five years.
“We used to pay rent but then the man who collected the payment just disappeared,” explained a resident of the house who did not want to be named.
Makgai said the people living in the white house are mostly men but there are woman and children.
Makgai, a qualified electronic technician, said when he first came to Edenvale he had an electronics repair shop in Van Riebeeck Avenue but moved into the house when the business closed.
The residents of the property, who rely on odd jobs, are reliant on NGO’s and feeding schemes for food.
Makgai tries to generate income by repairing electronic appliances.
He is currently repairing a microwave.
“Many community members harbour the wrong impression of us; we are not trouble makers or drug addicts. We are interesting people with our own stories, skills and qualifications.”
Makgai said when he first moved in the corrugated metal roof and metal security gate was stolen but since then no other items were taken from the property.
A request for comment was sent to the City of Ekurhuleni but none has been forthcoming.
