Fires a potential explosion risk

Concerns over safety in Melville as the community grapples with the risk of a potential explosion behind a petrol station. Despite ongoing engagement, no concrete action has been taken.

5 hours ago

Waydon Jacobs 2 minutes read

Ashes of the fires that have been made behind a petrol station by displaced individuals.

The Melville Residents Association (MRA) has been actively engaging with a petrol station located on Main Road regarding displaced individuals making fires close to the highly flammable location. The residents have expressed their worries about a potential explosion waiting to happen.

The gravity of the situation became apparent when three separate fires were observed behind the petrol station in recent days. The safety risk posed by these fires cannot be understated, particularly considering the close proximity of the station to hundreds of students and families with young children, as reported by Jovana Korac from the MRA.

A petrol station employee tries to get a displaced individual away from the premises.

She stated that the City of Johannesburg (CoJ), has already experienced the devastating consequences of a gas explosion, and simply cannot afford another incident of this nature. “The Melville community feels that the CoJ is willfully neglecting this critical problem, and there is a growing fear that if an incident were to occur, the responsibility would fall on all parties involved.”

Derek Mill, who serves on the MRA, has been at the forefront of the engagement with the petrol station and describes the situation as a ‘political hot-potato’. He emphasised the reluctance of any party to assume responsibility for addressing the issue. “The complexity and sensitivity surrounding the matter has created a standoff, leaving the Melville community frustrated and deeply concerned about their safety.”

Abdullah Navlajhi, the manager of the petrol station, acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, stating that it is a concern shared not only by the community but also by the petrol station itself. He revealed that the displaced individuals have been vandalising property, spraying graffiti, and even trespassing into the staff area. “We have already invested a significant amount of money in repainting the walls, but the problem persists.”

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Navlajhi explained that their employees have attempted to confront the individuals, but they persist in their disruptive behaviour. “To address these challenges, we have been working closely with Brixton SAPS and Brixton CPF, seeking a resolution.”

They emphasised the need for a joint street initiative and a broader partnership between the authorities and the community to effectively tackle the issue. In addition to the safety concerns, two shop owners in the vicinity, who wished to remain anonymous due to safety concerns, expressed their frustration over displaced individuals smoking and sleeping on the pavement.

They voiced that their behaviour has been driving customers away from their establishments. Furthermore, while JMPD occasionally intervenes and drives them away, the individuals quickly return, resuming their disruptive activities.

Informal settlements have been made behind the filling station.

JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla said that they are aware of the situation and had previously chased away the individuals involved. “Our By-Law Management Unit has also impounded items that were left behind. Despite these efforts, they continue to return periodically. The challenge with the displaced individuals is that they refuse to move into shelters operated by the City of Johannesburg’s Social Development Department, necessitating further action from our officers.”

He mentioned that after being removed from one area, they often migrate to another, leading to new ones coming again. “Officers will be dispatched again to investigate the situation.”

The Melville Residents Association (MRA) and concerned residents remain committed to their engagement with the relevant authorities, hoping for a swift resolution to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.