Permission needed for gate
Residents must get permission to restrict access to their streets with gates.
The Merafong City Local Municipality says that residents who want to gate in their neighbourhoods must first get permission from its Town Planning Section.
Residents staying in the area of Hoërskool Wonderfontein noticed last week that a high fence and gates were put up in Soutpansberg Street near the entrance to Coronation Street.
Although gated-in residential areas are often seen in high-end living areas in Johannesburg or Pretoria, there has never been anything like this around Merafong. With the high crime rate in some areas residents may use this as a way to keep criminals out.
When the Herald asked the municipality how other residents can also restrict access to their streets in this way on Tuesday, it, however, seemed that all the necessary administrative permissions might not have been obtained before the project was done.
“A site visit was held by the Municipality’s Public Safety and Town Planning Sections. They were also accompanied by the Ward Councillor. It was agreed that an official application be submitted at Town Planning Section for Council approval before any further closure be erected. If no application is submitted, the gates and fences will be removed by the Municipality,” said the municipal spokesperson.
