Westdene neighbours concerned about shacks

What would you do if you believe there’s an informal settlement in your neighbour’s backyard?

A concerned group of Westdene neighbours are asking themselves this question after structures resembling shacks started sprouting up on a neighbouring property.

“First two wooden Wendy-huts appeared on the property, a few years back,” Janine Manuel explained last week.

She was one of many residents of Chichester Street who voiced their concern.

“Then a taxi showed up. Soon after that an illegal cement structure was erected. Now there are galvanised structures and another taxi. We don’t know how many people are living there, and we fear we will soon be living next to a squatter camp.

“I asked the property owner, Gerrit Reesberg, what was going on. He swore at me and said it was none of my business.”

Reesberg admitted to having a rash temper when Northcliff Melville Times spoke to him.

“It’s this illness,” he explained.

“I can’t suppress any anger or irritation because of it. I also swear a lot due to it.”

He has multiple sclerosis and has been living with this debilitating disease for more than a decade.

Reesberg, who lives on the property with his family, denied allegations that he was harbouring an informal settlement in his yard.

“Of course we empathise with Gerrit,” yet another neighbour said. “And we’re worried about him. We want to resolve this peacefully. But I don’t want to live next to a shanty town.”

DA councillor Katya Nauman confirmed that this issue was reported to council.

“We can try and escalate a complaint. Typically what needs to happen is that a group of officials must go there and investigate. The house owner will then be fined depending on what we find at the property.

“We need to follow up on this, and we will look into it after the elections.”