GEORGE NEWS - Concerns have surfaced again about homeless people living in the forest on erven 658 and 659 along the Camphersdrift River between the George Regional Hospital and CJ Langenhoven Street.
A resident of this neighbourhood, who wants to remain anonymous, says in the last few months they have seen an influx of people moving into the forest, especially behind the old magistrate’s house facing Davidson Road.
“Concerns are raised with the George Municipality on a weekly basis by concerned local neighbourhood groups regarding the unsanitary living conditions of these people. The old house has been vandalised to the point where the vagrants do not even sleep there anymore,” says the resident.
“The municipality says they cannot do anything there, because it belongs to the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure [DPWI]. The area is prime property for community development as a public space or an extension from the botanical garden towards the south.”
George Herald recently reported on a similar complaint from another nearby resident who said they have had increased break-ins into cars and homes. His concern was for the long-term impact if the issue is not addressed immediately.
The historic magistrate’s house, which was still in a livable condition a decade ago, was broken into by homeless people and since then has deteriorated to its current ruined state. Fires were made inside and it has been stripped so that only the walls remain standing, which are now being guarded.
An application by the Western Cape DPWI a few years ago to have the property transferred to the province for it to use for the George Regional Hospital’s extension was in vain.
One of the dwellers’ huts. Photo supplied
The George Municipality’s senior communications officer, Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe, confirmed that the land is state-owned and does not fall under the municipality’s direct management. “While the municipality’s authority on state land is limited, the municipal Planning and Development Department will formally bring the matter to the attention of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment [DFFE] as the relevant national authority.
Waste left strewn in the forest at the old magistrate’s house. Photo supplied
"The municipality acknowledges the residents’ concerns regarding public safety, environmental impact and unsanitary conditions, and will continue to engage with the appropriate provincial and national departments to seek a lawful and sustainable long-term solution.
"In the interim, law enforcement officers will continue regular patrols in the area and respond to complaints received through official channels.
"Matters relating to homelessness must be addressed in a manner that balances community safety, environmental protection and the constitutional rights of vulnerable individuals.”
The newspaper is awaiting comment from the national DPWI regarding the maintenance and potential transfer of the property.
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