Homeless residents still on streets

Ward 97 councillor, André Beetge, has been inundated with enquiries about the homeless, many of whom still appear on the streets in week four of the lockdown.  The city has established several homeless shelters with the Isipingo based establishment accepting male guests from across all southern wards and females at Strollers on the city center.

“All males are first taken to the central screening facility at Lahlee Park in Pinetown following which they are then transported to Isipingo and other centers. The entire process can, depending numbers, take up to four hours thus effectively depriving the area of officers and vehicles much needed for enforcement and other routine duties. Our office has written the Deputy Mayor and others involved in the process in an attempt to either streamline the process or identify a specific group or unit to focus on the homeless, effectively releasing officers to perform other duties,” said Beetge.

ALSO READ: Durban homeless and displaced taken care of during Covid-19 pandemic

According to Beetge, once at the shelters the guests receive mattresses and blankets are housed in marquee tents, toilets and showers are available and food is supplied by NGO, church groups or community volunteers.

“The challenge however being in keeping them within the constraints of the establishments as with no illegal substances or cigarettes being distributed, they depart back to the streets under cloak of darkness. This will soon be alleviated by the installation of parameter fences. Residents are urged not to be deceived by plights from this sector as while extensive resources have been applied to facilitate them, they are by own choice filtering back into the streets where they prey on the sympathy of a community, often only to sustain their substance habits,” he added.

ALSO READ: Help with food drives in Amanzimtoti during lockdown

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