After several efforts to resolve the horrific situation for residents of Oak Tree Towers in Portage la Prairie, spearheaded by Portage la Prairie MLA Jeff Bereza, something has finally been done. The Mantoba Housing facility is setting up for 24-hour security in place.
Bereza has addressed the Manitoba Legislative Assembly about the ordeals experienced by residents, having paid visits to the site and personally consulted residents about the circumstances under which they're living.
He learned that a handful of residents are allowing homeless non-residents inside, and underage girls for what was suspected as human trafficking, leaving stairwells and hallways littered with feces, trash, and urine. A washing machine had been stolen leading to chains being secured to secure a new one, only to see the chain stolen leaving way for another theft. The kitchen had been broken into and food stolen, causing need for a bulwark to be constructed over the kitchen wall, only to see the kitchen robbed again. Glass outside doors have been destroyed and replaced.
Items have been found, including raw materials for creating illicit drugs.
Word was given Friday, April 11, of the news concerning 24-hour security.