IN efforts to instill safety and security in the area, the City has taken the first step towards eradicating hide-out spots for criminals. Working with uMhlanga councillor Heinz de Boer, the City’s Recreation and Parks Department, has started clearing out overgrown bushes which believed to have been used as a drug lord base near Saratoga Park.
Speaking to the Northglen News De Boer said,”For over two decades the forest along the M4, including this park have been home to vagrants. Recently we were alerted that drug dealers and other wanted criminals are now using it as a hiding spot.”
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“After realising that the bushes could be the cause we decided to revamp the park. Even though we can’t cut down most of the trees because they are protected, all the alien plants have been removed. The workmen and women have also started filling the area with sand, getting it ready for landscaping,” said De Boer.
uMhlanga Community Policing Forum’s Haden Searles said, “We are glad that the park is being revamped but when it comes to the crime element I’m not sure how much of a difference it can make. That area needs more than just cutting down of bushes, the City needs to have police paroling it more often. I do however hope that we see a difference after the revamp.”
While the bush clearing started last month, residents living in its vicinity say its to moving fast enough. De Boer has apologised to them saying they are aware that the project has taken longer than expected.
“Due to the rain, the project has taken longer than we expected. We urge residents to please bear with us and we can assure them that it will be completed soon,” he said.
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