Residents and businesses of 9th Avenue, Laudium and surrounding areas are once more calling on the ANC-led Tshwane Council to stop the ‘talks about talks’ and take decisive action concerning the infamous abandoned house on 9th Avenue, in the Laudium CBD.
The house has been abandoned by the owners for about 10 years and has been occupied since then by vagrants, who residents say are: living in unhygienic conditions, causing a nuisance by often shouting and screaming, causing constant smoke in the air from burning fire in the yard and causing a foul smell to emanate from the property, affecting the neighbouring area, including those living on 11th Avenue, the street behind the house. The house was recently even partially burnt after being set on fire by two conflicting nyaope groups fighting on the property. Residents say that the house is also being used by thieves to store their ill-gotten gains, yet police refuse to do frequent searches at the premises. Over a period there have been various politicians, who undertook a number of ‘inspection in loco’ visits, after receiving complaints from the community about the ‘troublesome house’, with even the current Tshwane Mayor, Nasiphi Moya recently attending. All the politicians were quick to ‘smile for the camera’ in front of the house and pledged to take decisive action in demolishing the house, as the owner of the property could not be traced, but to this date the house remains and the complaints of residents continue. The Laudium Sun has now again received complaints about the house occupied by vagrants…
Dayanunthen Naidoo of 11th Avenue, Laudium, told the Laudium Sun, “The 9th Ave property, situated directly behind my home, has been vacant for more than 10 years. Over this long period, the house has remained unattended, not maintained and completely neglected, which has now turned it into a serious concern for surrounding residents. The condition of this property has deteriorated significantly and it has become both a health hazard and a safety threat to the neighbouring homes, including my own. Over the years, numerous attempts have been made to resolve the matter. Communication has taken place with Councillors and various stakeholders in an effort to determine the rightful ownership of the property so that accountability can be established. Despite these efforts, no lasting solution has been implemented. Repeated reports have been submitted to several authorities, including the Department of Health, the South African Police Service and the Tshwane Metro Police Department, in an attempt to bring attention to the ongoing situation. The property has unfortunately become occupied by nyaopes who are drug users and vagrants engaging in unlawful activities. These vagrants have taken over sections of the yard, particularly the back area, where they are believed to be residing. As a result of this illegal occupation and neglect, the property has become overgrown with grass, trees and accumulated rubbish, creating an unsafe and unhealthy environment. The situation has escalated on multiple occasions. Fires have broken out within the yard, requiring the assistance of the fire brigade on at least four separate occasions, recently. These fires were caused by the burning of waste material on the property, creating dangerous conditions that posed a direct threat to surrounding homes. On each occasion, there was fear that the fire could spread uncontrollably and cause severe damage to neighbouring structures. In addition to fire hazards, there have also been reports of dangerous pests emerging from the property. Snakes have been spotted within the yard, while large rats, cockroaches, and other vermin have become a persistent problem due to the accumulation of waste. These conditions have further increased health risks for residents living nearby. During the early part of last year, the Tshwane Mayor, along with a team of Municipal officials, visited the property following continued complaints. During this visit, a full inspection was conducted. Officials acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and confirmed that the property posed a significant health and safety risk. A commitment was made to develop an action plan to address the issue, including locating the rightful owners failing which intervention measures such as rehabilitation or demolition of the structure would be considered. Despite a year already have passed, the inspection and the acknowledgment of the problem, no concrete action has yet been taken. The situation remains unchanged and the risks continue to grow. Fires are still a recurring concern and the ongoing neglect of the property continues to affect the surrounding community. This matter requires the urgent attention of Ward Councillor Patel, the relevant Council departments, including health and law enforcement agencies, in order to intervene decisively. The continued existence of this neglected property in its current state is unacceptable and poses ongoing danger to residents. A sincere request is being made for the rightful owner or any family members connected to the owner of the property to come forward and take responsibility. The situation can no longer be ignored, as we in this neighbourhood are being directly impacted by the consequences of this abandonment. Immediate action is necessary to restore safety, cleanliness and peace to the area, as residents can no longer continue living under these conditions.”
the ‘rightful owner or any family members connected to the owner of the property’ to come forward and take responsibility for the property
Naroo Bhana of 9th Avenue, told the Laudium Sun, “The abandoned house situated on our street is a long-standing problem that has continued for many years without any proper intervention. The property has remained vacant for more than a decade, creating ongoing distress for those living nearby. Numerous attempts have been made to identify and contact the rightful owner, yet no progress has been achieved, leaving the situation unresolved and increasingly difficult to manage. The condition of the house has deteriorated significantly over time, with visible structural damage, overgrown vegetation and an overall neglected appearance that affects the surrounding environment. The property has become a gathering point for homeless individuals resulting in frequent disturbances within the neighbourhood. Unauthorised occupants move in and out of the premises at all hours, contributing to noise, littering, and behavior that raises safety concerns among residents. There is growing frustration among community members who feel that their complaints have not been adequately addressed, by the politicians and the official of the Tshwane Council. The presence of illegal occupants has led to fears of criminal activity, while the lack of maintenance has created health risks, including unpleasant odours, pests and potential hazards for nearby families. Children and elderly residents are particularly vulnerable, as the abandoned structure poses a danger due to its unstable condition and uncontrolled access. Efforts to engage with local authorities and relevant stakeholders have not resulted in any meaningful action, leaving residents feeling ignored and helpless. The community continues to call for urgent intervention of the authorities to either secure, maintain, or take appropriate legal steps regarding the property, as promised by the politicians who made various site visits to the property. There is a strong need for accountability and responsibility to ensure that the safety and well-being of residents are protected. The situation has reached a critical point where immediate attention is required to prevent further deterioration and to restore a sense of security within the neighbourhood.”
Jessie Gullab of 8th Avenue, Laudium, told the Laudium Sun, “The abandoned house is in a terrible condition and the owner or the Municipality must take responsibility for it. This is concerning because a lot of crime is happening there and we as residents must stand up and address this issue, as criminals are hiding in that abandoned house. It is really not good at all.”
Ward 61 Cllr, Naeem Patel, told the Laudium Sun, “This house is a long-standing issue, and we are trying to locate the actual owner of the property. I am trying to assist Mr Naidoo, a resident of 11th Avenue, who is facing many issues arising from the abandoned house on 9th Avenue. He even approached the Mayor and other high-ranking officials but did not receive much assistance. Hopefully we can work towards finding a solution.”