Houses stripped bare, to be sold at auction
A SET of Stellenbosch Municipality-owned houses will be up for auction, after being stripped bare by criminals, while the properties stood vacant for several months.
Despite security recently being deployed to guard the houses in Onder Papegaaiberg, residents say the “annoyance and irritation still exists, as taxpayers’ money is being wasted”.
Stellenbosch Municipality spokesperson Stuart Grobbelaar said a process to have the properties sold on auction was under way.
“There are three municipal properties in Onder Papegaaiberg, that are currently unoccupied. The houses are currently unoccupied, as the leases with the previous tenants came to an end last year and were not renewed. The municipality reviewed its staff housing policy and, in terms of this review, a number of feasible options were considered to ensure the longterm sustainability, and optimal use of these properties,” said Grobbelaar.
The process of appointing an auctioneer should be finalised “in the coming week”, said Grobbelaar.
“The delays experienced in finalising this process are regrettable, and mainly due to unforeseen interruptions caused by the national lockdown. As an interim measure, private security guards were appointed to safeguard the properties, deter burglars and prevent any vandalism/looting,” said Grobbelaar.
Resident and neighbour to the properties Thea de Koker said the homes have been looted and stripped bare. “Yes, there are security guards now, but there is nothing to guard as the homes have already been stripped bare. The electrical wiring has been ripped out, taps, geysers and several other items have already been stolen. There is nothing else that can still be stolen at the properties,” said De Koker.
“One of the homes has been vacant for just about a year, but the others have been vacant and unoccupied for about three years already. I certainly do not feel more safe with security staff being on duty at the properties, as I have security measures of my own at home. I have visited these properties a few times and there is so much damage done already, and if it is to be sold on auction, there is so much work to be done to fix up the places. There is no excuse for why the places were left like this,” said De Koker.
In a video posted to Facebook, showing the extent of damage, one can see overgrown weeds, unkempt pools, shattered glass in window frames, broken toilets, exposed electrical wiring and used mattresses.