It was jumping castles, music, food and loads of fun on the corner of Gambia Road and Tugela Street in Emmarentia on 28 September as residents came together to celebrate road closures in the area.
“We decided to do this because of all the armed robberies that were occurring in the area,” said Sarah van Olst, chairperson of the Emmarentia Ridge Security Group.
“Friends of mine were attacked and I realised it happens more often in our area and more and more people were being affected, so something had to be done,” she added.
According to Olst, residents came together and paid for the project to come to life.
“Everyone paid a once-off fee and committed to paying a monthly fee to ensure that this project remains stable,” she said.
Olst applauded the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) for a job well done during this process.
“The process took a year and nine days but JRA was incredibly helpful and stuck to all their deadlines,” commented Olst.
Through this road closure project, Emmarentia residents are hoping to reduce crime levels. A total of 101 houses across five roads have been protected with three gates and one boom gate.
“This is what we needed. There was a lot of crime in the area. This is a young neighbourhood with kids and it’s important for families to feel safe,” said resident James Poulter.
Milton Gerson said, “It is an excellent project in light of reducing crime. We want the level of crime to be reduced.”
Most community members were happy, not only for access control into their neighbourhood, but also for a chance for the community to come together and know one another.
“This street party celebration brings the community together and people have a chance to [get to]know their neighbours,” said Hilary Gerson.
The road closure is valid for two years at a time and can be renewed.
