INLSA

TRASH: An illegal dumping site behind a building opposite The Statesman building in Joel Street, Berea, Joburg. Picture: Boxer Ngwenya

AN ABANDONED building in Joel Street, Berea, is causing untold misery for neighbouring residents and property owners.

Because it is a sectional title building, with different owners for each unit, it is going to take a long time for the city of Joburg’s legal department to get the problem sorted out.

The building has been occupied by squatters who throw their rubbish and ablutions into the downstairs courtyard causing an infestation of flies and rats, and a stench pervades the entire surrounding area.

Owner of The Statesman, a neighbouring block of flats, Tom Altini, said the building has been a problem in the area for many years, but the city is not doing anything about it.

“We have put a lot of time and energy into keeping our building neat and tidy. We have complained to the city numerous times. Small clean-ups get done from time to time, but in a matter of days, it’s back to square one,” he said.

His caretaker, George Makabong, said the building also borders a library which is well utilised. “It is dilapidated and deserted by the owners. Criminals have invaded the building. There is no water or electricity and they throw their rubbish out of the windows into the courtyard. Other buildings nearby are neat and clean. We fear for our safety. It is not fair,” he said.

The city of Joburg’s inner city region says that unfortunately it is a sectional title building. “This means that there are over 100 owners and each one has to be contacted and this is time consuming. But the legal processes have to be followed,” said Pieter van Vuuren, spokesman for the inner city region.

“This building is impacting on empty pieces of land in the neighbouring area where people dump too. The city owns many of them, but we have conducted an audit and are starting to clean up,” he said.

The sectional title owners will be served with notices to clean up the building within 28 days failing which, the city will step in and clean it at their expense, he said.