Tall grass blamed for Albertville security issues
ALBERTS FARM – Resident asks what will be done to ensure their safety and security.
Resident speaks out about her security concerns caused by tall reeds and grass at the park.
Anyone driving past Alberts Farm will see tall vegetation that creeps beyond the farm and nearly onto the road. These reeds and grass have been blamed for lessening the area’s safety and for security breaches. Resident Tanya Geyer has been fighting this issue since 2018.
She said, “I’ve been living in this area for 15 years and it’s never been this tall.” Over the last two years, she has contacted the ward councillor, police and residents groups about the matter to find a solution that pleases everyone.
“People walking here do so in fear, I’ve had people tell me they have been mugged.” She stated that criminals disappear into the tall grass after robbing people, cars and homes.
After complaining about the situation, she was told that the area is part of a green belt and therefore cannot be treated like other open spaces. “I was told that the reason why the tall grass can’t be cut is because it is a nature conservation area.”
Geyer did applaud Ward 86 councillor Philip Kruger for the work he has done on the farm. “Councillor Kruger has been amazing. He has managed to get City Parks to cut some of the reeds along the road regardless of the challenges.”
Geyer also said that the park is used by vagrants as a home and is a home to wildlife.
She believes that a plan could be made to address all these issues. “I care about the birds in the area, I know that those living there don’t have anywhere else to go, but we cannot ignore the safety concerns of residents.”
Northcliff Melville Times approached Joburg City Park for comment, but none was forthcoming by the time of going to print.
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