Hillcrest community repairs Shongweni K9 Unit facilities

THE Hillcrest CPF is currently repairing and upgrading the facilities at the Shongweni K9 Unit, which houses patrol and narcotics dogs on Kassier Road, Hillcrest.

Tracey Lynch, chairperson of the Hillcrest Community Policing Forum (CPF) and acting chair of the Gillitts Park Community Association, said that the CPF is involved with upgrades at the central Hillcrest police station. When a request for repairs at the K9 Unit facility was raised in a CPF meeting, the board felt that it could be a worthwhile project.

How is the CPF structured?

Lynch said, “The Hillcrest CPF is split into three sectors. Sector One is the CBD and immediate surrounds while Sectors Two and Three include the rural spaces around Hillcrest. It’s a huge area for one police station to service. Hillcrest is different because of our strong community, and we encourage community involvement. Anybody who can help is welcome to, as we work to improve working conditions for the police force.”

The list of needed repairs was compiled, and Lynch approached the patrollers in her area as they work closely with the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the CPF forum. The CPF is a body that encourages cooperation between the community and the police service.

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What has been achieved so far?

“When help was requested, I asked my patrollers to tackle it first, and between them and the businesses they are personally involved with, and the businesses they approached, they’ve done 80 percent of our list. There are a few things left that we’ve not managed to do. We’ve now decided to expand the appeal for volunteers to help paint.”

The project’s success is due to the generous donations of time and materials from individuals and businesses in the area, showing community commitment.

Several tasks are already completed. Window blinds were installed, and donated burglar guards will be fitted. Trees overhanging the driveway, which were damaging patrol cars, were trimmed. A new pump for the Jo-Jo tank was installed, and sludge was removed from the inside. The tank provides borehole water to clean the kennels. The gate motor was serviced, and the battery was replaced. A beekeeper donated a wheelbarrow and shears for garden maintenance. The final steps include painting the inside and outside of the container office, a sliding glass door repair and sourcing ceiling boards.

Donated shade cloth will be used to screen the kennels from the planned construction on the adjacent road, which will begin soon.

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“The dogs are moving to a nearby private kennel for the construction duration, and the owner isn’t charging a cent. The dogs’ cleaner and their handler will go with them,” says Lynch.

The Hillcrest CPF is forging a stronger working relationship between the three sectors.

Lynch said, “The Hillcrest CPF has tried to get a representative from every area on board, so we can get formal structures set up in the remote areas. The more people who are aware of the CPF and the work we do, the more we can accomplish. I want to raise awareness of these kinds of campaigns and encourage people to connect to the CPFs so we can work together,” said Lynch.

For information on how to help, email tracey@owcpf.org.za.