Vagrant database
For the past five years, Knysna Municipality has been trying to find a solution to the problem of homeless people and vagrants in the town.
The latest initiative has come in the form of compiling a database of these people to try and combat the problem.
The number of vagrants and homeless people in the Garden Route has increased exponentially over the last few years, and Knysna is no different.
Municipal manager Dr Sitembele Vatala said the list of reported cases of vagrants is alarming: “We are inundated with calls from businesses and property owners who experience problems with loitering vagrants… The law enforcement unit reacts on complaints and intervenes where they can, but often it is a police matter.”
He said they have in the interim started to profile and set up a comprehensive database with up-to-date information.
“A recent survey conducted by the municipality indicated there were about 63 homeless people living in open spaces such as Die Punt, Knysna Station, White Bridge, cemetery, Railway Bridge, Loerie Park, Waterfront, Angling Club, taxi rank and Cathy Park.”
Other information was that the age group varies between 18 and 66 years old and that the majority were born in Knysna. “They sustain themselves by catching fish and doing piecemeal jobs such as being parking attendants, and begging at prominent businesses in town,” Vatala said some of the homeless people are experiencing illnesses such as TB, HIV/Aids and hypertension.
He added that it is a multifaceted problem and to deal with it effectively they will need the buy-in from the department of social development, businesses and private organisations.
“We are committed to finding a long-term, sustainable solution to the problem. The first step is to find suitable premises for a shelter – temporary or permanent – and if anyone has any suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact my office.”
The MM added, “An interim stakeholder forum (internally and externally) must be established and if we really want to decrease the number of homeless people, we must ensure that we include a skills development initiative as part of the problem.”
The area around the George Rex gravesite. Photo: Blake Linder
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Source: Knysna Plett Herald News