EDITOR – Cllr Beetge’s response to a letter in the Sun regarding the dilapidated house in Marshall Road, Athlone Park, refers.
It is clear that he doesn’t think there is a problem in our neighbourhood.
The fact that people are allowed to stay in squatter conditions in an area where the rest of the residents pay enormous taxes and rates, plus the fact that we are forced to endure the cost of additional security is a blatant denial of our rights which we pay for.
Another great concern is the fact that the value of our properties will be affected by the condition of this property in our street, which you seem to find acceptable.
If you Mr Beetge do not see a problem if people stay without any electricity, water and sanitation – especially sanitation – in an area where the rest of the residents pay their dues, then you are welcome to let these people live in your area under these conditions. I may also mention that the animals held on this property are a nuisance to the neighbourhood as there is no proper gate to fence them in. The house itself is falling to pieces and if the owners do not uphold the standards of the neighbourhood, I think the municipality and duly elected members have an obligation to intervene and safeguard the rest of the community from health and safety hazards. Where does their sewage go?
The household rubbish is picked up despite no rates being paid. I suppose you will respond that we should be thankful for this, as your reply in the Sun was shocking, coming from a ward councillor who was voted in by the same people that you now seem to advise “it’s fine – live with it”.
It implies that “it is just fine – what are you people complaining about?”
As I am not the only one complaining, I urge Mr Beetge to intervene and to help this community to safeguard ourselves and assist to sort this out.
Mr Beetge – Is this really what we voted for when we voted for DA? If so, then we really misunderstood you when we spoke at the library at your gazebo on voting day.
JOHANN AND PETRO MIENIE
