Angry Heideveld residents have slammed slapgat City of Cape Town officials for failing to safeguard a property they say has now become a drug haven.
Residents say pleas for help have fallen on deaf ears while druggies continue to strip and destroy a facility used as a crèche.
Resident Magdalene Meyer, 57, says the problems at Rainbow Educare started during the national lockdown when the crèche was closed, along with schools in the area.
“They lease this property from the City and when it was lockdown it closed.
“The skelms started moving in, stripping the building of wires and pipes.
“At that time we called the police and told the officials that the crèche committee is not safeguarding the property and they did nothing.”
She says over a year later the crèche is overrun with drug addicts who make fires, defecate and further destroy the facility.
“They have stolen the toilets, the kassies and even the burglar bars, and the City does nothing.
“They could have given this facility to other crèches.
“We worry about our safety at night.”
Mayco member for Community Services and Health, Zahid Badroodien, confirms the property is owned by the City, but says the crèche gave up the lease.
“The City is aware of the condition and clean-up operations have occurred already.
“Regular clean-ups are taking place and there is security on site. The property will be used as an area office.”
The Daily Voice visited the crèche on Tuesday and found the property unsecured without security guards on site. There was also no evidence that it had been cleaned.