The premises surrounding Stikland Hospital has been a source of concern to the community of Blommendal for some time. The area has become overgrown and vagrancy has also become a problem. In response, the Blommendal Neighbourhood Watch has created a Broken Windows project team to address the deterioration of the site and has engaged with various stakeholders in the Western Cape over the past few months.

Cllr Brendan Van Der Merwe, the ward councillor for the area, has lent his support to the project team by providing funding for essential cleaning and maintenance work. The team is grateful for this support and undertook a site inspection prior to commencing work.

The property has now been completely cleaned and the overgrown bushes have been cut down and treated with herbicide. A contractor has been appointed to conduct monthly site inspections and will cut back the vegetation as required. The community will assist by reporting any maintenance issues requiring attention to the contractor.

The old pharmacy building that is situated on the boundary of the property is in the process of being rebuilt and upgraded. It will be used by the Department of Health as a storage facility. This will ensure that vagrants no longer use the premises as a base for anti-social activities.

Iris House Children’s Hospice has also indicated an interest in restoring the swimming pool for use by its patients.

Through stakeholder engagement, the team has also succeeded in having Stikland Hospital placed on a priority list by the Department of Environmental Health, which will ensure that the grounds will be kept clean.

Law Enforcement will also maintain a presence to ensure that the property is not vandalised or occupied illegally.