Update

GEORGE NEWS - It was a sight for sore eyes when most of the residents from the infamous 'drug house' in Cathedral Street were evicted on Tuesday morning, 7 December.

The eviction was confirmed last week after a court order was served on the residents of the house.

According to information received, all 'non-permanent' residents in the house - about 18 - had to vacate the premises, after which another eviction date will be given to the only permanent resident, a woman who has been living there for several years.

It is believed that strict security measures, in the form of a security fence and 24/7 guards, will be implemented to prevent more people from occupying the house before the final resident's eviction.

The municipality had applied for the eviction order in September this year.

"It is about time. We can not believe the day has come. For years now this house and its residents have caused nothing but trouble in our area and depreciated property values. Up until last night there was still chaos in the house with one of the female residents beating one of the younger ones for at least an hour," said one of the business owners in the area.

The dilapidated building, which is close to some primary and high schools in the area, has been described as a nest for drug addicts, dealers, prostitutes and gangsters. Over the years police have performed many raids and drug-related arrests on the premises.

Residents of the house had to pack up whatever belongings they have and vacate the house. 

Problem Premises By-law

The municipality's new Problem Premises By-law will enable the local authority to better manage similar situations.

The by-law is supplementary to the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act to ensure the proper care and maintenance of buildings and premises, whether vacant or occupied.

The by-law applies to all problem premises as defined in the by-law and within the area of jurisdiction of the municipality. In the implementation and enforcement of this by-law, the municipality may take into consideration the realities of the George area, the different customs, cultures, circumstances, geographical areas, kinds of premises, levels of development and conventions, and the municipality may determine the areas in which the by-law will be applicable.

The by-law was adopted by Council on 24 November and will be promulgated in the Government Gazette for implementation.

Two municipal trucks were on site on Tuesday morning to assist with the eviction. 

A problem premises is defined as follows:

• building or land that has been abandoned or appears to have been abandoned by the owner, with or without the consequence that rates or other service charges are not being paid;
• building or land that is derelict in appearance, overcrowded or showing signs that it is hazardous to human health, unsightly or objectionable;
• building or land that is the subject of complaints from the public including complaints in respect of criminal activity taking place in or at such building or land;
• building or land that is illegally occupied;
• building or land where refuse or waste material is accumulated, dumped, stored or deposited;
• building partially completed, or structurally unsound and that shows signs of any of the risks contemplated in paragraphs (a) to (e); or
• vacant or unoccupied land.

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