On 4 October the Westdene Resident’s Association and the DA put up a signature table for the petition, Take back the Koppies at Steve’s Spar in Blackheath.
Ward 88 councillor Pat Richards said the petition has been running since July and the aim is to claim back the Melville Koppies Nature Reserve as a geological and natural area and to make it a crime-free zone once again.
Melville Koppies managment committee member Lori Coogan said since the fence has been stolen between Westpark Cemetery and the Melville Koppies Nature Reserve the crime rates have been inclining drastically.
She also said the Melville Koppies Nature Reserve is a geological area over three billion years old and that it is seen as a sacred place to Joburg residents.
“This is the only complete natural park in Joburg. Residents deserve the peace that comes with it,” said Coogan.
She explained that making the Melville Koppies Nature Reserve a crime free spot, new safety measures have to be put into place.
“An electrical fence and cameras should be put up to ensure the area is safe and that it is not a hideout for criminals,”said Coogan.
She said about 2 000 residents have signed up for the petition and that the numbers will be given through to the MEC at a meeting on 8 October.
Related Articles:
BREAKING NEWS: Out of control fire on Melville Koppies
Taking back the Koppies one piece at a time
