Locals at end of tether over overgrown verges
RESIDENTS are concerned that their area is being sidelined by the municipality, alleging their complaints of overgrown verges and trees have been ignored.
They said because of the unkempt surroundings, crime had escalated, snakes and rats invaded houses and motorists and pedestrians were also in danger.
Residents pleaded with the city to respond to their request to make the place more safe and liveable.
They could not remember when the verges were last cut, but they started lodging complaints late last year.
A community activist, Eleanor Goodman of Lootman Place, said it has been “an eternity” since the borders on her street were cut.
Her greater concern was the danger that could be caused by overgrowth which was a hazard to motorists and could be a contributing factor to school children being knocked down, even raped.
“At present, the grass is so high that boundary walls are practically invisible, roads are hazardous to drive on and danger lurks in the bushes. None of this appears to be of concern to city officials.
“We have contacted the municipality’s parks department about this, but nothing has been done.
“We need urgent assistance. We were promised the city was working on it.
“Despite leaving my details and the name of the streets that needed attention, no one has contacted me,” she said.
Goodman said the bush also provided cover for criminals as someone could be attacked by people hiding in the bush.
“We also having a challenge with cable theft, as a result, some streets light don’t work. It makes this area more dangerous when it gets dark along these busy pathways.”
Goodman feared it would take an awful incident to prompt the city to take action.
ANC ward councillor Joyce Johnson said she was aware of the complaints.
“There were a lot of issues pertaining to the maintenance of the area.
“The overgrown places belong to different departments, not only parks which make it difficult for them (parks) to intervene. It has started in some other parts of the area and we are having meetings with relevant departments to get this problem solved,” said Johnson.
DA proportional representation councillor Shontell de Boer said she was equally frustrated. She said she had sent numerous emails and made calls to the city to get the issue sorted out.
“I have begged and pleaded for assistance from the city. The situation is very dangerous. It has been years that the area has been in this condition. People deserve a better, safer and healthier environment,” she said.
City spokesperson Mandla Nsele said the arboriculture team had started to work in Newlands, Kwamashu and Ntuzuma. “The team will visit the area to rectify complaints and address concerns from the community. We have engaged co-operatives to cut road verges seven times a year from September to June,” said Nsele.