Positive action at Donovan McDonald

The Department of Human Settlements seems to be sincere in its efforts to correct past mistakes at the Donovan McDonald Old Age Centre.

This is according to Florida South Residents Association (RA) chairperson Rodney Churchyard. The department has been very active at the centre of late, frequently roping the RA in to assist with overseeing the removal of goods from units that were previously illegally occupied, or where a resident has passed away, and securing those units to prevent unauthorised people from moving in.

“We are seeing a lot of positive change at the centre,” Churchyard says. “Before, it was nearly impossible to get hold of anyone from the Department of Human Settlements. Now, we can simply pick up the phone and speak to the relevant person whenever there is something that needs attention.

• Also read: Evictions imminent at Donovan McDonald

“We are in constant contact with them, and they seem eager to make a real difference, and to bring the centre back to its former glory.”

Many of the units are still occupied by persons who live there illegally. Some acted as caregivers for elderly family members and simply stayed on after the family member had passed, while others allegedly gained access to their units in more sinister ways. Some units are occupied by families with small children.

Rumours are rife about illegal activities going on at the centre. These include drug peddling and prostitution.

The Roodepoort Record sent detailed questions to the department but only received confirmation that the department has approached the courts to obtain urgent eviction notices for illegal occupiers.

Still, according to Churchyard, there seems to be the will within the department to finally make the changes.

“We are very thankful to the new management of the department for listening to our pleas, and for making themselves available to listen to our pleas and to act on them.

“We are excited to see this centre returned to its former glory.”