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GRAAFF-REINET NEWS AND VIDEO — The failed Spandauville Housing Development properties in Bergendal have been an eyesore for its neighbours for many years.
The initial project was undertaken in 2005 by the Amatenda Group in response to the urgent need for affordable housing in Graaff-Reinet for middle-income families.Halfway through the project, financial problems ensued, resulting in the construction of the development being brought to a halt with several legal battles ensuing.
After more than ten years - which have seen the houses deteriorated to such a state that there is now not much left apart from bricks - the residents of nearby properties are properly fed-up and at a loss of what to do with this thorn in their side.
In early 2016 it was reported by the Graaff-Reinet Advertiser that the 10.8 hectares of land were returned to the then Camdeboo Municipality.
Shortly after, the municipality stated that they would be advertising the site for redevelopment.
Now, more than a year later, residents are irate that nothing has been done to the site as of yet. The half-built structures have had their windows smashed, and fittings long since stripped out.
Litter and human debris cover the floors of the houses.
Vandals, thieves and vagrants took over the properties, and local residents whose properties neighbour the site are left feeling unsafe. Nearby residents witness on a daily basis how trespassers access the site to strip it of any items of value.
This past Friday, September 15, one house was almost completely levelled as a team of men set upon it to extract the wooden beams anchored in its walls.
The residents of the area feel that these structures are attracting a criminal element to the area and that something must be done at once to ensure the safety of their properties and families.
The Graaff-Reinet Advertiser again approached the local municipality to find out what is being done about the matter.
According to Leolynn Smith, the municipal communications officer, the tender for the development of the grounds had been advertised and is about to be awarded - no date was given as to when this will be finalised but all who live nearby are hopeful that it will be treated as a matter of urgency, with the matter being resolved as soon as possible.
After more than ten years the houses have deteriorated to such an extent that there is now not much left apart from bricks.
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