THE Department of Public Works has said it is not responsible for the maintanence and upkeep of the disused SANDF buildings that have become a haven for vagrants. This follows an article in last week’s Northglen News that highlighted residents’ concerns over the vagrants who had moved into two disused SANDF buildings situated on prime Durban North land.
The 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. Thamsanqa Mchunu, media liaison officer for the National Department of Public Works (DPW) said the department was aware of the problem and had engaged with the SANDF on numerous occassions to ensure the site is well kept and secured.
“The property is in the care of the SANDF and it is their responsibility to ensure that all occupied state facilities are secured. They will have to confirm their intentions on the usage of the remaining portions of the site in order for DPW to make an informed decision,” he said.
Mchunu added the property could not be sold as it is allocated to the client (SANDF). “However, should the SANDF not have a need for the property, it will be offered to other client departments as well as other spheres of government as per our business processes,” he said.
Durban North councillor Dean Macpherson said the department’s comments were just a way of washing its hands off the problem.
“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. “The DPW can put a fence around the disused buildings and maintain it better.”
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