Cape Town — Residents and business owners in Claremont, Cape Town, have had an unusual thing to worry about as they are currently dealing with a rat “plague” in the area.
The infestation is allegedly believed to be from an open plot in Belvedere Road, one of the main roads in the area, and has led to residents calling for urgent action from the plot owner, and the City of Cape Town. The neglected plot has become a breeding ground for homeless people, public defecation, and illegal dumping, IOL reported.
Ward 58 councillor, Katherine Christie, has revealed to media that the City’s Problem Building Unit (PBU) has initiated steps to address the situation. She said the PBU issued notices to the property owner demanding a cleanup, and that proper security measures are implemented. Failure to comply will lead to penalties and possible City involvement in taking the matter over.
According to News24, the chair of the Claremont CPF Sub-forum 1 and 4, Penny Owens, attested to the tedium the property posed. She said neighbouring properties have had to deal with rats, nakedness from the homeless, and displays of highly anti-social behaviour.
“This is proving a concern to neighbouring businesses, residents and numerous security providers in the area.” Owens said,
The City’s Law Enforcement spokesperson Wayne Dyason confirmed that the property is being investigated by the PBU and acknowledged the “conditions are unhealthy/unsanitary, overgrown vegetation [with] dumping taking place”.
“The PBU has issued a notice of intent to declare it a Problem Property, in line with the provisions of the Problem Building By-law… That said, the PBU can effect a clean-up at the property once it has been declared a Problem Property, and bill the owner on their rates,” Dyason said.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
