Yet another vacant property in Randburg has been cited as an eyesore and a hub of criminal activity.
The vacant land in question is on Rocky Street, Strijdom Park, and the Bryanfern Resident’s Association (BRA) has committed themselves to getting the property fenced off.
Businesses around the area are fed up with vagrants sleeping in the open veld, drug dealers sitting out in the open, conducting their business and alleged criminals who hide in the overgrown grass. They are even accusing the vagrants of vandalism.
“The majority of the property is privately owned,” said BRA chairperson, Ian Leo. “But the pavement section running along Rocky Street, which is not fenced, is owned by government.”
Leo is appealing for assistance in having the government-owned section fenced off to deter vagrants from causing further damage to the property.
“We got the authority from government to go ahead and put the fence up; we also have all the necessary materials like palisades,” continued Leo, “but we lack the necessary funds to pay for the manpower.”
Leo hopes the owners of the vacant property will contribute the necessary funds to have the entire property fenced, as it will also raise the value of the property, which is on the market. “It’s in their best interest.”
Ward councillor Mike Wood has praised the work that Pikitup has already done to keep the property clean, “but there is still a lot of work to be done.”
Details: BRA chairperson Ian Leo ian2@lawncareplus.co.za
