The neglected state of the Fairmount Sports Club remains a concern for Fairmount residents living near the property.
The club, also known as the Serbian Club, is owned by the Johannesburg Property Company and has been left neglected and unkempt since the previous lease ended, resulting in uncut grass and an increasing infestation of rats in the vicinity.
One irate resident, who wished to remain anonymous, explained that the situation had been ongoing for several years with no intervention from the City. “The biggest problem is the bottom corner of the club where the infestation of rats is so bad that I have now found rats in my garden; the situation is getting out of hand,” he said.
Other issues highlighted included the fence which collapsed on the one side of property.
Adding to this was Ward 72 Councillor, Steven Kruger, who gave context on the ongoing situation and explained that the previous lessee had, for multiple reasons, stopped maintaining the club and let it get to a state of disrepair. “This resulted in Joburg Property cancelling his lease, but since then, the entity itself has taken no steps to maintain the property themselves and this has resulted in illegal occupation on the grounds and neglect of the club,” he said.
“They’ve come out to inspect the situation and promised to get it cleaned up and to get rid of the illegal occupants, but to date, this has not been done.” Kruger confirmed that two individuals have been given a short-term lease, with one handling the sports grounds and the other managing the tennis courts.
Fanis Sardianos, Joburg Property’s client business operations executive manager, confirmed that the situation was brought to their attention and that an inspection had been carried out.
“An on-site meeting/inspection was conducted on the property together with the Ward 72 councillor and an order has been placed by our facilities’ management team to have the grass cut and the area cleaned,” Sardianos said.
He also confirmed that the rodent infestation would be addressed during this operation.
Questioned on the failure to ensure the property remained maintained, Sardianos explained that the lease had since been cancelled due to the lack of maintenance, confirming that it would be placed on public tender for sport and recreation purposes.
Sardianos concluded by urging residents to report environmental issues to the City’s environmental health department.
Details: 011 582 1450.
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