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14 March 2011 - BRYANSTON - A local construction company discovered a secret mini-slum tucked away in the upmarket area of Bryanston next to a townhouse complex he was showcasing for potential buyers. Len Spedding of Lenco Construction found the settlement while developing a townhouse complex on the property next door. “I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw it. This is an up-market area and we spend tons of money to develop it. How can we have a slum here?” he asked. Spedding witnessed the inhabitants partying at weekends while others fixed their cars on the pavement. “One of our units is on show during the weekends and the slums have not been too friendly to prospective clients.” Ward councillor Vincent Earp was immediately informed of the situation and took it up with city council. “I alerted the relevant authorities and someone came out to inspect and speak to the property owner. There is no way we can have a situation like this in Bryanston,” he said. On investigation the Sandton Chronicle found that water and electricity fed off the main house on the property where the owner, Tony Phelp, has his office. Phelp, a property developer, claimed the problem was inherited from the previous owner. He said that after he bought the house, the previous owner rented it for three years before moving out last December. “From the time I moved into the premises and discovered what was happening, I have been in regular contact with my attorneys to sort out the problem. I apologise to everyone who has been harmed by this situation and I am personally seeing to it that all the inhabitants are evicted and the area cleared up.”
http://www.looklocal.co.za/looklocal/content/en/fourways/fourways-news-general?oid=4066755&sn=Detail&pid=217610&Slum-uncovered-in-upmarket-Bryanston