The auction of Westdene’s 10A applauded by residents association
WESTDENE – The residents association hopes the sale of 10A will usher in a new area of safety in the area.
It seems like the end of an ongoing problem is near for the Westdene-Sophiatown Residents Association (WSRA) after they confirmed that the notoriously known property 10A was auctioned off.
Dauw Steyn, chairperson of the WSRA, said they have welcomed the auctioning off the property, which the Northcliff Melville Times reported on in the article 10A finally gets auctioned off [Week ending 11 October]. “This has been a problem property for many years and one of the properties that we as the residents association have continually pressured council to address.”
The residents association hopes the sale of 10A will usher in a new area of safety in the area as they have held the belief that it is a haven for some criminals in the area. Steyn expressed, “Hopefully this will have a positive impact on crime in that section of Westdene, as this property was often used by criminals to hide in.”
The residents association has been fighting for years to deal with the issues arising from the property. “We have pressured the City to correct the faults and the issues facing the occupants of this property, especially the children staying there.”
Steyn added that they hope the City will be able to find alternative accommodation for those living there, especially the children and elderly. “To the current occupants of 10A, we would like to send a message of hope. We have had many engagements with many of you throughout the years, creating a better environment and trying to help you make a better life for yourself.”
The association is keen to welcome the new owner of the building to the community. “To the new owner, we would like to say welcome to this wonderful suburb. We are looking forward to see the changes happening at this property as soon as possible.”
Steyn also wanted to remind other problematic properties in the area that they are next. “There are still many properties in the area that are operating illegally and we will be applying more pressure and not let up until we have communes that are run legally and where the owners take ownership and responsibility for their properties.”
He concluded that change is coming slowly but they are most definitely turning the tide on scrupulous illegal commune owners taking advantage of the students and the university close by.
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