The Palms new haven for vagrants?

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - In February Graaff-Reinet Advertiser reported on concerns raised by residents of the Graaff-Reinet horseshoe around The Palms, generally known as the old swimming pool.

These concerns are related to the fact that the old swimming pool has become a breeding ground for crime. After it has been vandalised beyond repair it became home to vagrants, resulting in an increase in break-ins and other incidents of crime in the vicinity.

At the time, Ward 2 Counsellor Ricardo Smith, raised the issue with officials from the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality (DBNLM) after which Bennie Arends, Director of Infrastructure Services, informed Smith that he has discussed the matter with the director of community services and that they are considering posting a security guard at the building.

A security guard has since been posted at the old swimming pool but, unfortunately, it appears as if this did not have the desired outcome.

On Thursday 16 September Graaff-Reinet Advertiser was called to The Palms by a resident who was troubled by the fact that the security guard seems to be contributing to the never-ending issue of pollution by allegedly dumping his empty containers at the site instead of disposing of it properly.

Upon inspection of the site, another unpleasant discovery was made. The security guard was posted to the old swimming pool with the specific purpose of preventing the vagrants from sleeping there but it now appears as if quite the opposite was achieved.

Whilst there were no visible signs of people sleeping there previously, the space is presently fitted with a bed, bedside table and even curtains, among other things, and it is evident that the "living conditions" of the vagrants have improved significantly since the arrival of the security guard.

Apparently, the vagrants now managed to settle in nicely and therefore, as previously requested by residents, demolishment of the building may be the only way to resolve the issue and restore safety in the community.

A bed, bedside table and even curtains are among other things that have improved the "living conditions" of vagrants at the Palms significantly.