The war against the deterioration of Derrick Avenue continues.
Business owners are concerned about overcrowding, illegal parking, building rubble and dumping in the street, amongst other things.
Businessmen who have been in the area for many years said they were shocked by the decline and how the filth has built up in the area over the years. “When I started my business here, I was attracted by the potential of the area. Johannesburg China Town has the potential of being a tourist attraction and that means more business for the area. But, because people do not respect the bylaws in the area, the street has turned into an eyesore,” said a businessman in the area, who did not want to be named for fear of his safety.
Derrick Avenue has been highlighted recently due to the number of bylaw infringements. Residents have reported issues to the Metro police and the City of Johannesburg on a number of occasions but feel that law enforcement should call for tougher action against those who contravene the bylaws.
PR councillor, Alison Roberts, who used to be the ward councillor for this area, said these challenges have existed for many years. “When I was the ward councillor, we had a number of operations here as part of the City’s 10 Plus Programme which included Environmental Health, Metro police bylaw enforcement and the Provincial Department of Agriculture,where we saw a degree of success,” said Roberts.
“Although I believe that bylaws were translated from English to Chinese and distributed, it appears that operations like these have not happened frequently enough over the past couple of years and there has been a regression in Derrick Avenue.
“Another problem is the fact that the street committee is not playing an active enough role in meeting with stakeholders and building a collective responsibility for Derrick Avenue. As a result, there has been a decline in business in the area.”
Ward 118 comprises part of Linksfield, Cyrildene, Bruma, part of Kensington, part of Observatory, Dewetshof, part of Malvern, part of Cleveland, Benrose and part of Heriotdale.
Councillor Neuren Pietersen said he is aware of and also concerned about the degradation of the area. “I visited Derrick Avenue recently to investigate a case of dumping. Prior to that, I had a walk about with a prominent member of the community to note the various issues that have been plaguing it over many years such as illegal trading on pavements, signage, dumping and lack of parking. These issues have manifested over the last 10 years.”
Pietersen said the issues will not be solved overnight and he plans to solve them during his term as councillor. “I believe a methodical approach to enforcing the bylaws will help change the culture of dumping,” he said.
According to Pietersen, he is planning to work with committees and organisations in the area to develop relationships to implement a turnaround strategy, which can only succeed with a proactive municipal government.
“If residents have issues regarding service delivery, roads and bylaw infringement I urge them to report it as this shows us which areas need service,” said Pietersen.
“I have been getting a very positive response from the Metro police when it comes to illegal dumping, as long as it is clear who is doing the dumping. Concerned residents must take pictures of any perpetrators to help with the issuing of fines. I appeal to residents to submit pictures and locations of illegal signs on Derrick and Friedland avenues. Please send them to my email address.”
Details: Neuren Pietersen 083 326 3693; neuren@outlook.com. Service delivery issues call centre 011 375 5555; Bylaw infringement Johannesburg Metro Police Department 011 375 5918.
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