Residents who stay in the vicinity of a notorious vacant stand in the suburb are fed up and want the City of Joburg to pay attention to their complaints.
The stand in Sharonlea has apparently been vacant for the past 10 years and the owner has been reluctant to maintain it.
One neighbour complained that the stand was overgrown with grass and weeds that could provide a hideaway for criminals.
Dean Moore complained that he no longer felt safe at his home. He said that last year the stand was only cleaned twice after he complained to the City of Joburg numerous times.
“This now poses a health hazard and a security threat to me and my family,” he said.
He complained that the owner allegedly owed the City service rates and the account was repeatedly lodged in his gate. “Why doesn’t the local authority find the owner’s physical address and deliver his accounts directly to him,” he asked.
Moore pleaded with the owner to at least maintain the vacant stand and ensure that the area was safe and clean.
Stand owner Ronny Sebaka refuted the claims and insisted that he did everything he could to keep the area clean. “The problem is that one of my neighbours wants to buy the stand while I am not ready to sell,” he said.
He added that the problem was not as big as the neighbours had said. “I will ask my partner who stays in North Riding to check what is happening,” he concluded.
The City’s communications specialist, Virgil James, said he would refer the problem to the environmental health division.
“We certainly are against the neglect of properties as these may become a health hazard or be used for criminal activity, besides being unsightly,” he said.
He said that he could not reveal information about the owner’s outstanding bill. James explained that the City was obliged by legislation to ensure that its area of jurisdiction was maintained.
“Owners of vacant properties have a duty to ensure that their properties are at all times maintained in a clean and tidy condition, free of public health nuisances, hazards, as well as safety and security risks,” he said.
He concluded that they should also ensure that preventative measures were put in place to ensure that illegal dumping does not take place.
Details: City of Joburg, 011 407 7226.
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