Local residents raise R75 500 in one week to fence vacant land that posed security risks

Lonehill Residents Association thanked residents and local businesses who contributed towards the fencing of a vacant piece of land on the corner of Witkoppen and Main roads in Lonehill.

This after Shady Deals Nursery that was operating from the property vacated the area as reported in the Fourways Review article Land sparks concern, Week ending August 27.

Marketing manager at the association, Shelley Miller said residents of Lonehill and Magaliessig responded positively to the fundraising call and they managed to raise R75 500 in less than a week. She said, “It took us only one week to raise the required amount of money. The residents’ response was unbelievable and we never thought it could take us such a short time to raise funds.

“Thanks to a local business person who helped us negotiate material price with suppliers and contributed R5 000, instead of paying R600 000, we ended up paying R75 500 to fence the area that had caused uncertainty and panic to our residents.”

She added, “Our security department will monitor the area through cameras installed to prevent any possible illegal activities on site. They will pick up any movements happening on the property. This was causing a massive security risk to Lonehill residents.”

Ward 94 councillor David Foley said, “The land is the property of government and residents are aware of that. The fencing is meant to prevent any possible illegal occupation of the property. I will write to the Office of the Premier and make them aware of the residents’ decision to fence the area.”