Edenvale clean up operation yields good results
During the operation, several individuals could be seen gathering some of their belongings while the clean-up commenced.
After receiving complaints from the community City of Ekurhuleni staff conducted multiple clean-up operations on the border of Edenvale.
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Held on September 14, the multi-department operation saw staff remove litter, vacate squatters and clear dense vegetation near Edenview complex.
It occurred below the complex near the T-junction of Aitken Road and First Avenue.
Squatters who had built homes among the dense vegetation were instructed by municipal staff to vacate the area with all their belongings.
During the operation, several individuals could be seen gathering some of their belongings while the clean-up commenced.
Previously municipal staff cleared illegally dumped material and cut the overgrown grass.
Edenview complex trustee and resident William Lagorie said his concerns about the area, targeted by the operation, first arose last year.
After Lagorie became aware of learners being mugged of their valuables in the veld below the complex along First Avenue he took action.
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“As a concerned resident I felt that I had to do something about the matter,” said Lagorie.
“I communicated with the mayor’s office and stated my problems, who I was and that I needed help.”
Soon after reporting his concerns, Lagorie was referred to the city’s chief horticulturist of the parks department for the Edenvale depot, Sithembile Mbatha.
After meeting with Mbatha, on-site, earlier this year Lagorie was able to show him and explain his concerns.
“Mbatha needs to be commended, she went the extra mile.”
He said after the site visit, the long grass was cut and illegally dumped rubble removed.
Several weeks ago, Lagorie had another site meeting, with additional stakeholders, to address the squatters.
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Mbatha said after the grass-cutting complaint was attended to the shacks were discovered.
After realising more needed to be done, the city combined its resources and conducted the September operation.
Lagorie thanked the officials for their time and their assistance.
Following the operation, Lagorie said he will communicate further developments in the area with Ward 19 Clr Bill Rundle.
Rundle said it has been determined those living on the open piece of land were foreign nationals.
“If they are here illegally, I am sure the EMPD will do some form of processing,” said Rundle.
According to Rundle, there are several locations between Marais Steyn Park and the N3 South where informal settlements are located.
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He said although the area was cleaned, it fell under the City of Johannesburg.
Rundle said although the issue falls out of Ward 19 it affects his community and Edenvale.
“I am very happy with the result, this has been a quick and proactive response,” said Rundle.
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