Improvements in Bruma

Although several concerns have not been attended to, some measure of success was evident in Bruma over the past month.

“The Johannesburg city council’s performance rating improved from 0 in December 2013 to 10 percent in January. Five out of 50 incidents were resolved,” said Ms Valda Gossmann, from the Bruma Residents’ Association.

Ms Gossmann has been complaining about the lack of service delivery in the suburb for months. She compiles a list of problems that require council’s attention every month.

Problems highlighted in her list last month were forwarded to the relevant departments by the EXPRESS.

The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) fixed several potholes.

“Mr Yoram Makori and I met with the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) on January 28. We had a fruitful meeting. We gained a common understanding of issues challenging the JMPD and Bruma residents. Superintendent Alan Foulds and ward commander, Sergeant Marius Boolsen, committed to visible policing and reducing the number of bylaw contraventions. I thank Supt Foulds and Sgt Boolsen for their support and commitment to reducing the number of long outstanding issues in Bruma,” said Ms Gossmann.

At last week’s Cleveland Community police Forum (CCPF) meeting, Sgt Boolsen said he and other officers will try to address all the problems highlighted by Ms Gossmann.

“We will try our best. In some cases people continue to contravene the bylaws after we have visited them. So we cannot just visit them once.

“There are now other vagrants who have moved close to a sand heap. New shacks have been built. Clr Alison van der Molen led a successful operation last year to remove vagrants living close to the Jukskei River. This was a joint operation with several departments, which included the SAPS and JMPD. We will attend to the new problem and contact Johannesburg City Parks (JCP) to cut the long grass. We are committed to addressing residents’ concerns,” said Sgt Boolsen.

He urged people to report bylaw contraventions. “You are our eyes and ears. We found out that people were stealing parts of pylons to sell as scrap metal in Bruma. We increased our visibility to attend to this. However, there may be times when we are attending to problems elsewhere. Call us if you see people contravening the bylaws and we will attend to it,” said Sgt Boolsen.

Residents can call the JMPD on 011 375-5911.

JCP

Ms Gossmann said despite numerous calls and e-mails to the JCP, the grass is knee-high and in some instances much higher.

“The grass was last cut at the end of November 2013. The parks are supposed to be for the enjoyment of its residents but this has not been the case this summer. Two months later and the grass has still not been cut. The JCP was the only department that provided me with a timetable or schedule for the park, pavements and tree maintenance. But sadly, they are not adhering to this,” said Ms Gossmann.

Ms Jenny Moodley, the spokesperson for the JCP said, “Seasonal maintenance concerns have resulted in backlogs. This is further compounded with plant and machinery on increased downtime due to the pressure of resolving fast-growing overgrowth. The open space referred to was maintained in November, with the next maintenance scheduled for February. Work commenced on February 6 and will continue until resolved. Undeveloped spaces with no playgrounds are maintained on a 60-day cycle.”

She urged residents to be tolerant as the JCP works through its scheduled maintenance plans, which in some instances are delayed due to the rain.

Requests can be directed to the Joburg Connect call centre on 011 375-5555 or e-mail jcp@jhbcityparks.com