Community wants fence up, no SkeemSaam in Alberts Farm

ALBERTS FARM – Despite its success, residents were not supportive of the SkeemSaam initiative being replicated in Alberts Farm.

October 7, 2017

Chantelle Fourie 2 minutes read

Ward 86 councillor, Philip Kruger, tells the community that they should come forward with possible solutions instead at the next meeting.

Members of the greater Greymont, Albertskroon and Albertville community were not keen on the new SkeemSaam project proposed for the waste recyclers who live in Alberts Farm.

They were, however, rather keen on fencing off the entire park, convinced this could be a solution to crime and displaced persons living in the open area.

Across Joburg, displaced persons set up camp in open spaces and parks. Since the City does not have as many homeless shelters as is needed, alternative solutions were brought to the table by Friends of Alberts Farm Conservancy chairperson, Julie Gouws.

VIDEO: SkeemSaam bridges the gap between waste collectors and residents

The SkeemSaam project has been successfully implemented in areas such as Melrose, Hurlingham and Parkmore. Sandton Chronicle recently reported that waste collectors and residents of these upmarket suburbs have established a more harmonious relationship thanks to this community project committed to the upliftment of urban waste miners.

Founder Lisa Lowenthal told the publication that in exchange for workshops on hygiene and money management, the men keep parks clean and assist with security. She said there has been a 95 per cent reduction in rats at the James and Ether Gray Park and usage of the park has increased by 50 per cent over the last month due to increased security and cleanliness.

Despite this, residents were not supportive of the initiative set to be replicated in Alberts Farm. There was an overall concern for the safety of residents if these recyclers were given sanctuary, possibly inviting criminal activity.

Alberts Farm residents commit to keeping it clean

This, however, Gouws strongly disagreed with. She said that as the recyclers are helped to get onto their feet as entrepreneurs, the community can plan to put up a fence around the park to keep future displaced persons out.

Residents were however not convinced, opting rather for a fence.

A second public meeting on dealing with homeless persons living in Alberts Farm will be held on 18 October at 7pm at the NG Church on 6th Road. Here other residents’ associations will present case studies of projects in their areas and ClearVu will present a possible fencing solution to the community.

Details: For more information on the SkeemSaam project, email info@skeemsaam.org.z