Do something about Marshall Road eyesore
An open letter to Cllr Beetge - with response from Cllr Beetge
EDITOR – An open letter to Cllr Beetge.
Confirming our recent telephonic conversation regarding a Marshall Road property which has been empty for more than two years, it has been completely stripped of all meters and electrical fittings including all geysers and switches, plumbing including all baths, basins, fittings and piping.
The swimming pool is a health hazard. It has no pool equipment and stands empty. Lots of the glazing has been broken and the garden is a mess.
The main entrance double gate has been stolen and has been replaced with bushes. This matter was brought to the attention of the council last year with proof of outstanding rates of over R850,000 – a figure which would have doubled by now.
Last week I noticed that someone has taken occupancy of this building, along with a dog. This house should not be occupied in the current state it is in. It is a security and health hazard. Besides being against the law, it is no good for the neighbourhood.
Last year you were made aware of this residence and its state by the owners of an adjacent Marshall Road property but it was stated that the municipality would not cut the overgrown bush as it was private property. Now we sit with a bigger problem.
Can someone do something or inspect this property before the situation gets any worse.
ROY PALFRAMAN
Mr Beetge’s response:
EDITOR – A site visit confirmed that there are indeed people occupying the dwelling who have not only taken to cleaning the inside, but likewise are also cleaning the garden which has become severely overgrown since the owner died more than two years ago.
While confirming that the municipality has not reconnected electricity or water supply, there are likewise thousands of households across the country that don’t have tapped water or electricity, whose occupants obtain water from an external source. Gas and other options, as opposed to electricity, appear to be used for cooking and heating purposes.
The circumstances are not unique and if the occupation of the private property is indeed illegal, civil action would have to be initiated by either the deceased estate or the legal owners of the property and not the municipality. Services will however not be reconnected until the outstanding municipal debt is settled.
CLLR ANDRE BEETGE
