Vacant property goes up in flames

Residents from Protea Court watched helplessly as a vacant property in Lorne Street adjacent to their flats was ravaged by fire on Wednesday afternoon.
Fanned by the strong wind, the fire quickly spread and within minutes, the entire field was blackened.
But the damage did not stop there.
Residents from Protea Court who had hung up washing would’ve come home to singed clothing.
The fire burnt not only the clothes but also parts of the wall.
Alet Gericke who tends to an elderly resident living in Protea Court was livid and blamed the municipality for placing the lives of neighbouring residents and passers-by at risk.
Mrs Gericke explained that she has on countless occasions pleaded with the municipality to clean up the vacant property, saying that dangers like snakes, fires and even criminals were posing a threat.
Despite these requests, none were heeded.
“Even though this is private property, the municipality should clean it up and charge the owner. This vacant property is posing a risk to the residents living around it. Some residents are old and won’t be able to fend for themselves if something terrible happens,” said Mrs Gericke.
Responding to these concerns, Umtshezi Municipal Manager Nonhlanhla Njoko said on Monday that it was a top priority to minimise dangers posed to residents.
“We swiftly attend to all complaints and requests lodged. Privately owned sites are also seen to and the owners are billed for these call outs,” added Ms Njoko. She did not respond to Mrs Gericke’s claims that several complaints had been lodged about the vacant property in Lorne Street.