An oversight visit to three derelict properties located in Waterloo Green Road in Wynberg earlier this month has left residents with a glimmer of hope that the appalling conditions prevailing at the premises may at last be addressed.
On Friday 6 May, Samantha Graham-Maré, DA Shadow Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, and Emile Langenhoven, councillor for Ward 62, visited the derelict premises.
Residents were invited to attend to speak on the various concerns regarding the houses.
For the past seven years, the three properties – owned by the department– have been left to go to ruin with street people living in and stripping the two houses located furthest down the road.
In 2017, the City of Cape Town’s Problem Building Unit declared the latter two dwellings – both of which hold significant heritage value – problem buildings.
In February this year, the department, shared with Graham-Maré in a letter that the funding for the demolition of two of the three homes had been approved. However, it explained that a lot still needed to happen before the demolition could go ahead, including the appointment of a project manager and engagement with Heritage Western Cape (HWC).
Graham-Maré says since the letter, dated 18 February, there has been no further communication sent to her.
“There has been a new acting director general appointed and when I referred the matter two weeks ago, I did not receive any response.
“I have subsequently seen correspondence between the newly appointed project manager as referenced in the letter who was recommending meeting with residents to provide feedback.”
She says the reason for her personal oversight visit to the properties was to gain a better understanding of the issue, the site and the concerns of the residents.
“Emails could never have fully explained the property, its context within the area and the absolute nightmare that this property is for the neighbours. I was absolutely shocked at the state of the two houses and the evidence of the beginning of vandalism of the third. The extent to which the property has become a public nuisance is unacceptable,” she says.
Although Langenhoven has visited the site before, he says this was the first time he was able to enter the houses.
He says stepping inside, he was shocked to see how much rubbish had been accumulated in the rooms.
“The stench of rot, decomposition, faeces, urine, damp and the faint smell of dagga was an assault on the senses. There is no dignity for the homeless here, and any activist group or human rights organisation cannot convince me otherwise,” he says.
Asked what his first impression was when entering the dilapidated buildings, he says it was one of utter disappointment that South Africa, and Cape Town’s heritage, has been left to go to ruin.
“We are reminded daily about how our country’s infrastructure is being dismantled brick-by-brick,” he says.
A local resident, who asked not to be named out of concern for her and her family’s safety and security, says the situation in the area has become progressively worse since they moved to the neighbourhood about eight years ago. She shares common concerns among residents are the general degradation of the area, the illegal activities (prostitution and drugs) that take place in and around the derelict houses and the bad element it attracts. She says, with the growing list of concerns and the increase in crime, the community is becoming more pro-active and determined to “take back” their neighbourhood.
“There are days I believe that with community involvement, the cooperation of DPWI, schools, Safe Schools (a Wynberg Police Station safety programme) and the military base, and working together with the City, police, our ward councillor and private security companies that this is still possible. And then there are days when I just feel so disappointed, discouraged and totally despondent.”
She says the general feeling among her fellow residents is that of anger and disappointment.
“Because nothing of significance has happened, including the demolition that was approved.”But, she adds, she is hopeful that the oversight visit will generate results.
“I feel that we’ve been heard by Graham-Maré and councillor Langenhoven. I’m confident that Mrs Graham-Maré will be able to keep pressure on the department from the top, as pressure from below didn’t engender urgency from the department.”
As the shadow minister, Graham-Maré says she can merely drive the issue.
“I cannot provide answers or means to addressing the problem. It is my job to bring it to the attention of the minister and the acting director general and to apply pressure until such time as the matter is resolved.”
Following the oversight visit, she says she compiled a detailed report which she has sent to the minister’s office, as well as to the acting director general.
“I will also be submitting parliamentary questions this week based on feedback I received last week. I will also continue to follow up on the issue utilising the mechanisms that are available to me.”
According to Graham-Maré, the Waterloo Green properties form part of a broader issue she is driving with respect to the state of DPWI buildings and the lack of maintenance and upkeep by the department. She says this is but one of many properties that have been reported to her that are problematic, unkempt, housing unlawful occupiers and posing a general threat to the community.
“If we do not start seeing a really motivated plan of action to address the issues raised, we will look at other mechanisms of enforcement such as application of the municipal by-laws to deal with public nuisance and environmental health concerns,” she says.
Asked for a progress report, Thami Mchunu, spokesperson for the DPWI, says the funding for the demolition of the two of the three homes has been approved.
“The relevant instructions from head office are due to be received in the regional office in the due course. On receipt of the documentation, a project manager will be appointed to communicate with Heritage Western Cape. Thereafter, if authorised by Heritage Western Cape, the project manager will draft the scope of works for the purpose of a tender that will be advertised for the demolition to be undertaken,” says Mchunu.
He adds that arrangements have been made for the appointment of security services to prevent illegal occupation and vandalism of the third property.
