There are no clear solutions for the problems

IN an effort to get to the bottom the problems in Alberton North, the RECORD contacted the ward councillor, Bruna Haipel, for her comment on the story and statements made by SAPS.

“I was present at the meeting of June 14, and, yes, the police did say that they were told that they could not arrest people for loitering etc., etc.,” she said.

Clr Estelle Visser was there and we discussed that she was going to have a meeting with the public prosecutor. My suggestion was that she should get a list of all the infringements which are punishable by law, as well as all the infringements for which a fine can be levied.”I then suggested that these should be published in the Alberton RECORD and the community warned of these infringements.

”With that clear, the SAPS or EMPD can actually make an example of someone who breaks the law, issue a hefty fine and let this be published as well. If this had to happen a few times, it may be a deterrent.

“As a councillor for that area I have been battling for many years to get the council to at least fix pavements, water leaks and sewer leaks effectively and efficiently but it is not happening.

“We also have companies who dig up pavements to lay all sorts of cables and then they do not replace the pavements as they should.

“Another concern raised at the meeting was the illegal residents at the Education Department premises in Second Avenue.

“I have been battling with the Education Department for years. They, unfortunately, do not need the premises, or so they say, so they are not too concerned that their eviction order has been contested.

”The law says that one cannot evict unless alternative accommodation is provided. The Education Department has now laid the responsibility at the feet of EMM.

”Unfortunately, the EMM do not have ‘free’ alternative accommodation.

”The discussion also covered the fact that the churches are giving the squatters whatever they need, so there is no incentive for any of these people to look for jobs. This is where shebeens are set up and drugs are sold.

“At the meeting there were two trains of thought: stop the churches from giving these people all they need, and those who felt sorry for the children, therefore please allow the churches to look after them all,” Bruna said.

Estelle Vissser replied: “I only promised to discuss it with the EMPD and we are still trying to get an appointment. These cases will only receive attention during the second half of July. Bev [Beverley Small from the Alberton Heritage Society] and I have to do this together and it is rather difficult to get this organised.”

The RECORD has tried on more than one occasion to get comment from the Gauteng Department of Education.

For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.

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