Warren Fortune
RESIDENTS of a Steenberg housing development say that what was supposed to be a safe and secure low-cost development has turned into a nightmare.
Security promised at Steen Villa, which was built by non-profit company Sohco, was a failure, residents said.
After opening its doors in 2010 as a promising new safe location for families to live in, residents feel they have been short-changed. Many cite gang-related activity that has infiltrated the complex because of the lack of 24-hour security which was promised.
“When I moved in here, I thought I was going be part of a safe community, but instead, I am now living in a gang-infested community. It feels like I am living in a squatter camp at the moment,” said one pensioner.
“I have complained many a time at the offices, but nothing has been done. I am just generally afraid to step outside of my door because of the type people that are roaming around. They even smoke dagga out in the open and threaten to hurt you.”
On Sohco’s website, it is advertised that access by visitors is strictly controlled, with security gates locked at night for safety reasons.
Residents say this is a blatant lie, and anyone can enterthe premises.
Sohco, which also has low-cost housing developments in Durban and East London, offers potential Steen Villa residents a “mixture of studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units at a range of R800 to R2 450”. Many residents say this is too much, as there is not enough security for all 700 families living there.
“There are only four security guards during the day and five at night to look after all of us,” said one resident.
“There are no tenant identification cards, so anybody can walk in.
“They seldom stop vehicles that come into the complex as well. We have to suffer intimidation by youth who are constantly doing hard drugs, and we just live in constant fear,” she protested.
The women spoke on condition that their names not be published as they were concerned about their safety.
Sohco chief executive Heather Maxwell said she was happy that the complex had enough security and she was unaware of negative activity.
“We certainly don’t have a security problem at the complex. There is a 24-hour security service with formal access control in place, with an active volunteer neighbourhood watch. Sohco monitors security issues carefully and we are not aware of any gang activity or security problems.”
She urged residents with concerns to contact their site management officer.