Prime Durban North property occupied by vagrants
The R50-million spent by the department of public works to refurbish SANDF houses is being wasted if no action is taken to remove vagrants says local councillor.
TWO disused SANDF buildings situated on prime Durban North land is worrying residents of Gleneagles Drive. The residents say the property is now home to vagrants who pose a security risk of not only open fires but also as a health hazard because of the illegal dumping.
The SANDF buildings are situated behind the army barracks in Norrie Avenue and Beachway and include a watch tower and a bunker dating back to World War II.
What’s more according to Durban North ward councillor, Dean Macpherson the army barracks are currently undergoing a R50-million upgrade.
A resident who did not want to be named said he reported the matter to the owners of the land and buildings, the Department of Public Works. He said they had fobbed all responsibility saying it was up to the eThekwini Municipality to clear the area.
“The open fires are really concerning. We’ve had to call the fire department on several occasions because the flames have gotten to big to contain. The vagrants have started using the area as a dump and we have found them stripping copper wires in the space.
“I was also told because the buildings are considered a heritage site, thus it’s not the responsibility of the department of public works,” the disgruntled resident said.
“One of the vagrants from Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) makes a living from the outbuildings. He collects glass bottles and paper and makes a living from selling the items off to recycling companies,” he said.
A third building which is uninhabited, is covered in human faeces and bits of old newspaper.
Macpherson said the current situation was totally unacceptable.
“The department has spent so much to refurbish SANDF houses but have done nothing about the vagrant problem. The area is absolutely disgusting; it’s covered in rubbish which has begun to decay. This cannot be allowed to continue,” he said.
With winter approaching, Macpherson expressed concern the dry grass would lead to open fires that could easily spread to the buildings closest to the abandoned outbuildings.
“The R50-million spent by the department to refurbish the houses is being wasted if no action is taken to remove the vagrants and redevelop the land. The area should either be sold, redeveloped or secured properly,” he said.
