In the busy Warwick Avenue area of Durban, people living in a block of flats on Douglas Lane say they’ve had enough.
Homeless individuals struggling with drug addiction have set up makeshift shelters right on the road and pavements outside their building, turning the spot into what feels like an open drug den.
Residents describe the scene as heartbreaking and frightening. The encampment has popped up after the municipality cleared similar setups from nearby vacant plots on Milton Road, Acorn Road, and Bentley Street—areas that were fenced off following clean-up operations. With those spots now blocked, the group moved to this pavement, close to a mini-bus taxi rank and two small cottages.
One resident, who asked not to be named, shared her daily fears: “From our balcony and windows, we see it all. They use drugs openly in front of us. We’re scared to leave for work or let our kids go to school because of possible harassment. They move like zombies, and the smell outside is terrible.”
A local businessman echoed the worry, explaining how it’s hurting his livelihood. “Customers avoid this road now because they’re afraid. There’s even a crèche just across the street—parents are terrified when dropping off their children. These people wander around looking for someone to rob. We depend on foot traffic from the taxi rank, but paying for extra security just isn’t worth it anymore.”
What makes the situation even more frustrating for locals is that this encampment is directly in view of the eThekwini Municipality’s own Urban Renewal Project Centre, home to the Inner-city Regeneration and Urban Management Programme (ITRUMP) offices.
The municipality says it has already cleared and fenced the vacant Douglas Lane property through its service departments. Officials add that metro police carry out regular operations to tackle unlawful occupation and keep the area safe. They’re also looking into more ways to secure empty land, though this depends on available budget.
Back in February 2026, eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba visited the long-troubled Che Guevara Road site (previously Moore Road) and promised a stronger, multi-department approach to homelessness—one built on compassion, family reconnection, access to social services, and real long-term support.
As part of those efforts, work continues on the new Sakhithemba Homeless Shelter in Illovo. The facility will offer life-skills training, substance abuse support, and programmes to help people rebuild their lives and reintegrate into the community with dignity.
For now, though, residents in Warwick Avenue continue to call for faster, more visible action on their doorstep.