Help needed for Alberts Farm fencing initiative

Alberts Farm is an asset to your community, whether you run or cycle at the park, walk your dogs or enjoy the diverse and abundant nature it has to offer – and your help is needed to preserve it.

This according to Julie Gouws, the chairperson of Friends of Alberts Farm Conservancy, a volunteer-based organisation that does all it can to keep the park going.

“The park desperately needs your help and Friends of Alberts Farm Conservancy is determined to preserve this community asset to ensure users of the park are safe,” she said.

However, at the organisation’s monthly managing committee meeting on 12 February, frustrations grew. Some felt that not enough community members are helping to keep the park going and fear the worst – a lost dam, overgrowing alien invasives and increased crime.

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In November last year, the surrounding community voted in favour of fencing the park to prevent increased displaced people and homeless people relocating to the site, as well as drug users, potential criminals, thieves of the indigenous plants, excessive noise at night, illegal dumping and general nonadherence to by-laws.

Gouws told members at the meeting that the displaced people had in fact reduced in numbers, apparently being doubly replaced by alleged drug addicts.

A company that would be able to install the 2,6km fence was later found. Including the cost of gates and other necessities, R1,5 million is what is needed. This amount would, however, have to come entirely from residents and businesses.

The local security company, SCP Security, is also on board. Director Clive Maher previously said the company will monitor the park to help keep it safe. They will also lock and unlock the gates every day.

But since last year, just over R3 000 has been donated for this cause, so Gouws is pleading with businesses in the area to come on board as well. She said that any donations would be accepted, whether it be printing flyers or monetary.

The Friends of Alberts Farm need volunteers to help with projects that could generate funds for the fence.

If you would like to get involved, or if you are a business owner and would like to support this initiative, contact Gouws on 079 898 2845.