Primrose CPF held a community meeting at Sunnyridge Primary School on June 4 that offered residents a chance to voice their safety concerns.

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Ward 36 Clr Wendy Morgan and Primrose SAPS station commander Lieutenant Colonel Eunice Nzuza also attended the meeting facilitated by Primrose CPF chairperson Tracy Enslin.

Concerns raised by residents were noted by the leaders of various portfolios.

Topping the list was issues of safety in Primrose and basic service delivery.

Liaguat “Lance” Vengatass of the ratepayers association encouraged residents to take back their communities.

He said it is time for residents to unite against common enemies including crime, poor service delivery and lack of infrastructure maintenance.

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“We need a change of faces. We need community members stepping up. We need to see our leaders held accountable as well,” said Vengatass.

“We are tired of the political games played by our leaders. The previous CoE administration blamed the apartheid government and the current leaders blame the previous administration,” said Vengatass.

“Residents demand services. We cannot have pensioners living in the dark for days waiting for the CoE to fix a cable issue,” said Vengatass.

He said the ratepayers association aims to assist the community with service delivery complaints.

“We are going to hold the council responsible for services they have not delivered.

“In a case where services are not rendered by the council, we are going to take claim the costs back from the city,” said Vengatass.

“As an example of taking action, recently we fixed 60 plus potholes in Primrose.”

Responding to safety issues raised by residents, Nzuza encouraged residents to work hand in hand with law enforcement entities.

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She said the station has enough resources and dedicated personnel to keep Primrose safe.

“When Primrose becomes a crime-free zone, business investors will soon return. It is our duty as parents and residents to stand firm against what is wrong,” said Nzuza.

“The police have conducted operations where immigrants and illegal minors were arrested,” she said.

She added that since the beginning of April, Primrose had been troubled by house break-ins, theft of motor vehicles and business robberies.

“We have been given the mandate to protect our residents at all cost,” said Nzuza.

She reminded residents driving under the influence was a criminal offence.

“Drinking in public is also condemned. Once we find you we will arrest you and detain you at the station,” said Nzuza.

“Residents must follow their cases to the end. We discourage GBV victims from withdrawing their cases. With the CPF and security companies aiding the police, we believe we have enough resources to chase criminals away from Primrose.”

Enslin said residents have been reporting problematic areas that need police attention.

“We have a list of illegal buildings and internet cafés used for criminal activities,” said Enslin.

Morgan told residents that rates and taxes were used to maintain local governance.

“Systems are being implemented to respond to residents’ complaints in time. The council is working tirelessly to award the right people tenders,” said Morgan.