The number of homeless individuals living on the streets in Bedfordview seems to be on the rise.
This is according to Ward 20 councillor Jill Humphreys, who has raised concerns over the lack of facilities to accommodate unfortunate persons who find themselves sleeping rough.
In November, Humphreys reported a homeless man sleeping at the corner of North Reef and Riley roads. She requested assistance with the situation as the man appeared to be aggressive. She asked officials to relocate the man and clean the area where he had been sleeping.
By December 22, Humphreys reported that the area surrounding the man had become a health hazard to neighbouring properties and pedestrians.
The following day an investigation was conducted by an environmental health practitioner and it was found that the man was sleeping on top of a pile of waste and his living conditions were unhygienic.
“The official reported a bad smell coming from the waste around the man and that he was using the boundary wall of a neighbouring property as a toilet,” Humphreys said.
She requested that officials remove the man and find a place to accommodate him.
Humphreys was told other relevant departments responsible would be called in to assist and officials agreed that there was an existing health hazard.
By January, Humphreys’ list of homeless abodes had grown and also included the highway bridge on Bradford Road.
“The area has to be regularly cleared as it quickly becomes a health hazard. Moreover, there is a report of residents going out for a run and being chased.
“It would seem the proliferation of homeless people on our streets and taking up residence are creating not only a health problem but adding to a criminal problem.”
She added that the matter was urgent and it was necessary that these unfortunate street people be relocated and the sites cleared and sanitised.
At the end of February, another request was made after information was received that a position could be found for the man living on North Reef Road at a homeless shelter in Boksburg.
In March after another enquiry, Humphreys was told the home referred to in previous communication would be closed and that the matter would need to be referred to the health department.
At the end of March, Humphreys was informed that the city did not have permanent shelters for the homeless and that the City relied on help provided by NGOs to assist.
In May, Humphreys reminded City officials about the situation and indicated several other areas of concern in Bedfordview.
“Yes, it’s a difficult situation but it cannot be ignored because it’s difficult. In a metro commanding a budget of R40-billion, a solution has to be found,” she said.
Humphreys added that other areas had become unsightly and unsanitary as a result of the growing problem, including the traffic island on Boeing Road West opposite a popular restaurant and 84 Concorde Road East, where a shack had been built.
She also highlighted that homeless persons were now sleeping under several bridges, including the Civin Road highway underpass and
Van Buuren Road between N3 on and off-ramps.
When the NEWS visited the corner of North Reef and Riley roads last week, the area had been cleared and the homeless man removed.
The NEWS sent a detailed enquiry to the City of Ekurhuleni regarding the situation on September 14 and comment was requested by September 17.
At the time of going to print, no comment had been received.
