GEORGE NEWS - Years of complaints about unlawful occupation, illegal dumping and alleged crime around a group of undeveloped properties between Davidson and Langenhoven roads seem to remain unresolved.
In response to queries from George Herald around these properties - one of which is the site of the vandalised former magistrate's house (Erf 658) - George Municipality said it is continuing to engage the government departments that own the land.
Erf 658 belongs to the national Department of Public Works, while three adjacent properties (Erven 6238, 659 and 6231) are all owned by the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure. These departments are ultimately responsible for maintenance and security on their own land, according to the municipality. The municipality owns two erven (6237 and 3254) situated along the riverbanks.
The municipality said that its Planning and Development Department had previously notified the national department about the condition of Erf 658. "We are aware of indications that the department intends to fence the property, although the status of those plans is unknown."
It said the Law Enforcement Section provides support where matters fall within the scope of municipal by-laws, including illegal dumping.
"Officials also monitor the area due to concerns that attempts may be made to establish permanent unlawful occupation. Responsibility for managing and securing state-owned land ultimately rests with the respective property owners. The municipality continues to engage with the relevant government departments where necessary."
On the two municipal properties, alien vegetation clearing is undertaken on an ongoing basis in accordance with an approved riverine maintenance management plan, according to the municipality.
Residents and the neighbourhood watch for Heatherlands, Glen Barrie and Camphersdrift recently took matters into their own hands out of desperation, spending about R35 000 to clear dense vegetation and remove several truckloads of rubbish from Erf 658.
The national Department of Public Works subsequently said in a comment to the newspaper that it was considering a possible sports centre for Erf 658 as a long-term solution. The proposal, however, is in the early planning stages. The municipality said its Sport Section has limited information about the proposed sports centre.
For the surrounding communities, however, the immediate issue is less about a possible future development and more about what happens to the properties in the meantime, and the residents continue to look to the authorities for a lasting solution.
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