Rats, litter and theft plague Lantern Heath
Residents of Lantern Heath on Magwaza Maphalala Street are at their wits’ end with litter and illegal dumping.
RATS the size of cats, unkept verges and theft. These are among the concerns of residents of Lantern Heath, a block of flats on Magwaza Maphalala Street. Residents say they are living in the ‘lost city’ where no one hears their cries for help.
John Stephen said a servitude that runs along the boundary wall of the block of flats has been used as a public toilet and dumping ground for some 15 years. He and other residents are calling for the servitude, which connects Suffolk Place and Magwaza Maphalala Street, to be cleared out and sealed so the public cannot access the area.
Also read: Illegal dumping raises concerns in Umbilo
“This pathway is a public pathway. It is being used as a public toilet 24 hours a day. We are getting big rats here – rats as big as cats,” he said.
Another concerned resident, Angelique Stephen, said illegal dumping is another issue as litter fills the servitude.
“People are coming from elsewhere and dumping here,” said Angelique.
Empty milk cartons, old shoes and used charcoal were among the debris when Berea Mail visited the site.
Residents added that the servitude presents a safety risk to residents.
Also read: Dumping continues in Glenwood
“People are coming through the pathway and stealing our washing. They come through and cut the palisade fencing and steal the clothes from the line. Now, for the safety of Lantern Heath residents, we are repairing that wall. Already, we placed tree branches there so no one could come in,” she said.
John added that illegal dumping continues along Suffolk Place and around the corner, along Eaton Road, with dumping especially notable on the corner of Eaton Road and Magwaza Maphalala Street.
He also noted that weeds are sprouting up along the pavement, a matter he has taken into his own hands.
“I am 64 years old. I and my wife clean this place. We remove weeds and put them into a skip in our own yards. We say we are living in a lost city because no one helps us or responds to us,” he concluded.
Angelique is calling on the broader community and local businesses to contact her if they are able to assist in cleaning up the area. Contact Angelique on 078 381 6577.
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