Vagrants, police, cleaners and fire in the CBD
RANDBURG CBD – Land cleared for 750 housing units, to be built over three years.
The open land next to the Randburg Taxi Rank was abuzz during a three-day cleanup operation that had it all between 22 and 24 October. This was organised by the Randburg Community Policing Forum to clear the way for future construction of low-cost housing in the Randburg CBD. On the first day Randburg and Metro police officers removed the vagrants living on the land.
Eller Security stood guard during the night to ensure that the vagrants did not return to sleep there. In the morning of the second day, the vagrants were allowed back to fetch some of their belongings, and recyclable materials that could be sold. Then Randburg Police conducted a search of the area for dangerous, illegal and stolen items. They recovered a plastic gun that would look real in the dark, an electric taser, DVDs and a laptop.
Then about 80 Johannesburg Social Housing Company (Joshco) workers and some Northern Taxi Liaison Committee members began to clean the area. They were joined by inner city Community Policing Forum members. Here Joshco contracts manager Obakeng Nyundu explained that the company plans to construct 750 rental units in the land over a period of three years.
“We did a market study and found out that a lot of people are commuting to Randburg,” she said. “They are mostly low-income workers from all over Johannesburg who come to work in Randburg. There isn’t accommodation. We are offering flats that are affordable but upmarket and high-rise.” Until this vision is realised, the land will be a holding area for taxis.
Shortly after about 25 Randburg Management Services workers arrived to clean, a fire broke out among the rubbish (see previous article). The cause is unknown and no one was hurt. The Randburg and Hunter’s Hill fire stations each sent a fire engine. Their crews worked together to put the fire out. When the cleanup was over the rubbish was piled up, and Pikitup removed it on the third next day.
“It was very much a success,” said Randburg Community Policing Forum chairperson Sandy Andrew. “Randburg used to be one of the cleanest places. Let’s make Randburg beautiful again.” The old Randburg Magistrates’ Court used to be situated on this premises. Metro Police acting deputy director Mike Smith was also on scene.
Details: Johannesburg Social Housing Company 011 406 7300; Randburg Community Policing Forum 082 433 6085.
How can low-cost housing be built in a CBD?
What would this do to the property value in that area?
Surely the land can be used more productively than putting up something that would de-value the area?