Abandoned house in Boksburg North remains an eyesore
Property owners in the area said they want the building to be demolished as it degrades their properties and harbours criminals.
The abandoned house in Sixth Street, Boksburg North, remains a headache for residents and business operators.
Residents earlier this year complained about the dilapidated building, reportedly illegally inhabited by squatters, but nothing has been done to the eyesore since, and its condition is worsening.
One of the neighbours, who asked to remain anonymous, said the building’s state of disrepair has led to a spike in crime, including drug trading and prostitution.
The neighbour said because of the state of the building, people are now using the property as a dumping site and the mountains of rubbish attract rodents and flies.
The house was left to crumble and rot by whoever had once been the owner or in charge of it. It has a damaged roof and wall, broken windows, missing window frames and there is a strong stench.
Although there is running water, the property has no electricity and there is a lack of sanitation, such as toilet facilities.
According to metro spokesperson, Themba Gadebe, the Ekurhuleni metro said it had tried to get whoever is responsible for the upkeep of the building to do something, but to no avail.
“The metro instituted legal proceedings after making several attempts to get voluntary compliance from the property owner,” said Gadebe.
He said these efforts were made after the municipality received complaints about the house, which was deemed a public nuisance after being occupied by homeless people from the area.
“Routine investigations were conducted. Multiple statutory compliance notices were sent to the owner, with no satisfactory outcome.
“The notices were sent to the owner via registered mail but no response was received. No further contact details were available on the municipal records.
“The matter was then referred to the legal department for prosecution. A private law firm has been appointed and the matter is ongoing.”
When asked what will happen to the group of homeless people who are occupying the house, Gadebe said the housing department has indicated its possible involvement, once the verdict is received on the legal proceedings.
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