Illegal activities continue in Cyrildene

Council officials publicly committed to addressing bylaw contraventions in Cyrildene.

However, little if any, improvements are evident.

Aggravated residents met a year ago with the member of the mayoral committee (MMC) for development planning and urban management, Clr Roslynn Greeff, and other officials demanding action be taken and feedback be provided to them on what the city is doing.

Bylaw contraventions include illegal building, parking, dumping and businesses.

Clr Greeff acknowledged that whatever action was taken in the suburb by officials did not work. She also acknowledged that the responsible departments had to move fast to stop illegal building before people occupied these premises. At the time, she said the department was considering alternative measures to address contraventions.

Clr Greeff also committed to addressing the lack of feedback by department officials to residents.

Residents were told that they would see a difference in Cyrildene from the new financial year.

Mr Rob Crawford, the chairperson of the Sector 1 Crime Forum, said nothing has improved since the meetings with officials were held.

“Further deterioration has taken place. More properties are being converted to serve as accommodation to a number of residents. Concerns that were raised at the meeting were not addressed,” he said.

At the meeting held last year, Mr Crawford provided officials with information on illegal activities taking place at seven properties. He wanted assurance at the meeting that council would stop the illegal activities. He said this would be a test to determine how serious council was on taking action.

“The illegal activities continue. The building plans of a property owner in Aida Avenue were approved, despite the plans not reflecting what was on the property. The boundary line was incorrect. There was an illegal driveway. Officials went to this property and still no action was taken. We informed council about this property when illegal activities had just started. Now the same owner has another property and illegal activities have taken place there too,” said Mr Crawford.

He is disappointed at the department’s lack of action and feedback to the community. “Clr Greeff said we would see action and get feedback but officials on the ground seem not to be doing their jobs,” said Mr Crawford.

He also raised concerns about the city’s legal department.

“Nothing further has happened to cases that were escalated to the city’s legal department. It would seem the legal department is just a black hole. Cases that go to this department do not get expedited,” said Mr Crawford.

He said every department that operates in Cyrildene is inefficient. He said that although JMPD officers said they do take action in Cyrildene, they are not visible. “The officers also said they do not have the resources to deal with all the problems. The councillor should be dealing with this. Why have we not received feedback from Clr Alison van der Molen about the problems in Cyrildene? She has left residents to deal with the problems themselves. She has been our councillor for years yet she has done nothing. If she cannot do her job and the MMC cannot get her officials to do theirs then what other options do we have?” asked Mr Crawford.

Clr Van der Molen said report back meetings are held in the ward.

“These are open to the community. They are welcome to raise issues there or contact me. The EXPRESS published articles on what is happening in the ward. I am aware of the problems faced by the JMPD. These have been communicated at the community police forum meetings. Mr Crawford is welcome to contact me should he have concerns. My door is always open,” she said.

She added that Mr Crawford is aware of the lack of communication by the department of development planning and urban management.

“He was involved in the process with council officials with regards to the precinct plan for Cyrildene. I share the same frustrations as he does but while I receive reports that astronomical bribes are being paid to officials by community members in Cyrildene, the situation will continue. Obtaining evidence which would enable the prosecution of the offenders is difficult as people literary fear for their lives. I am not privy to the minutes of the Sector 1 meeting despite having requested them in the past. I would be able to pick up council-related issues and be able to give Mr Crawford feedback if I were to receive these,” said Clr Van der Molen.

She said she has regular contact with the Cyrildene community and escalates their issues as she receives them.

“I would appreciate residents reporting problems to the call centre, where possible, although that presents a challenge in itself. Should they be unable to, or if their problems are not resolved, I would appreciate an e-mail or sms with the full details including a reference number should it be available so that matters can be escalated,” said Clr Van der Molen.

The EXPRESS forwarded enquiries to the city and department officials which included Mr Bongani Nhleko, the liaison officer. Despite the e-mails and numerous phone calls requesting comment, none was provided.