Vandalism, theft at Mountain View

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - In October last year, the first occupants moved into the Breaking New Ground (BNG) houses in the Mountain View complex in Louis Fourie Road, KwaNonqaba, Mossel Bay.

The BNG section of the complex consists of 725 units. There were 14 empty houses because the beneficiaries originally approved for them, could not be traced, for various reasons.

Mossel Bay municipal spokesperson Cornelle Carstens says some of these units have been vandalised.

"New beneficiaries have since been identified and have been approved. The Western Cape Department of Human Settlements has committed to repairing the vandalised units before they will be handed over to the new beneficiaries."

Carstens says the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements is in the process of appointing an agent to manage the identification of beneficiaries for the Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme (FLISP) units.

She said the municipality would work closely with the appointed agent and communicate with the public in this regard as soon as the appointment had been confirmed and the way forward decided on.

She says, however, following the persistent rain since May, complaints have been received pertaining to the completed structures and services. "Complaints, including those of roof leakages, leaking water pipes, sewerage blockages, electrical faults and so forth, must be reported to the municipality."

Carstens says the contractor is committed to attend to complaints received.

She says the latent defect period associated with the contract must be respected. "The occupants and recipients of the houses are reminded they too have a responsibility to maintaining their own properties."

She says it is of great concern to the municipality that theft and vandalism is occurring at Mountain View.

"Taps, washing line poles and fences around the storm water retention ponds have been stolen. In some instances, they will not be replaced by the contractor and the municipality."

Community members in Mountain View are encouraged to take ownership of their complex and be vigilant in order to prevent theft or acts of vandalism.

All cases of theft and vandalism must be reported to the police.

Carstens says complaints have also been received regarding sewerage blockages.

"Upon investigation, it was found that these blockages were the result of foreign objects being flushed down toilet systems, blocking drainpipes. Foreign objects, other than human waste, must not end up in toilet systems and residents are urged to cooperate."

This topic will be discussed at the coming housing imbizo in August. Members of the public are urged to attend the event in their respective wards as vital information regarding housing in Mossel Bay is shared on this platform.