A vacant site in the midst of a residential area in Lotus Gardens, and right across the Lotus Gardens Masjid, has become a sore-spot for locals who say that its barrenness lures thugs to conduct their illicit activities on its grounds.
The site on the corner of Cyme Crescent and Bole Avenue, which is also situated close to a Youth Centre, is said to be posing a safety and health hazard to residents in the nearby vicinity as well as to those who frequent the Mosque and youth centre.
Aneshree Mariana, who lives close to the vacant site, said, “The area is a disgrace. Not only is it an eyesore, but the stench that emanates from there is nauseating. When I approached the council, they said that it was private property so there was not much they could do. It is such a pity that this ground has ended up in such a bad way. A few years back, I had heard that there were plans to create a centre for the senior citizens of the community there and a shopping centre. But now, just look at how it has ended up. It is also selfish people who dump their rubbish there, dragging down the area,” she lamented.
Elderly resident, Kistama Padayachi, known to the community as Aunty Kay, echoed Aneshree’s sentiments saying that it was so frustrating to see that an open ground that held so much potential to serve its community, had become such a nightmare of a place. “It's such a waste of good land, especially since the elderly citizens of this community need a recreational centre of their own to keep occupied. Why can't the council just intervene?” she asked.
Aunty Kay also claimed that on a daily basis, she sees a white Toyota Hilux offload questionable rubbish around 9pm to 10pm.
“Our own people are also abusing the area,” the elderly aunt concluded.
Meanwhile, other residents around the area fumed that the stink of rotting animal carcasses emitting from the site has infiltrated into their homes, causing them a great deal of discomfort. One resident, who did not want to be named, said that at one point they feared a murder might have been committed and the dead body dumped on the vacant site, because of the disgusting odour that hung in the air. However, upon inspection, they discovered a black plastic bag full of dead cats, that looked as though they had been slaughtered. “Things around here are in a bad way. We can’t even open our windows in peace. We appeal to the council to take charge and put certain measures in place to deter the illegal activities that have been going on, at this vacant site. After all, it is illegal to dump garbage just anywhere. We, who live close by to the vacant land, cannot even entertain because the smell is so bad, and find ourselves constantly apologising to our guests for the embarrassing state of affairs,” the anonymous resident concluded. However, local councillor for the area, Sam Mashola, said that cleaning teams have been allocated to the site by the council and that cleaning does take place. “The field is being cleaned by the council because of the health hazard it poses. However, certain residents in the area are still dumping their dirt there, even after we clean up. We appeal to residents to dispose off their waste appropriately. There's nothing more we can do,” he said.
Angry resident, Aneshree Mariana, said the site is a disgrace.
Rubbish, rubbish, rubbish on the corner of Cyme Crescent and Bole Avenue, in Lotus Gardens. The vacant site that has left local residents furious and blocking their noses, due to the foul smell emanating from the open field.