Various community stakeholders within the Ferndale suburb teamed up to clean an open space between Hill and Fern streets on 25 July.
Residents, members of the Ferndale Resident’s Association (FRA) and Ferndale East Resident’s Forum (FERF), Ward 104 councillor Mike Wood, 42 Precinct Security and the Randburg SAPS joined in the clean-up operation.
They collected all the filth and garbage supposedly dumped by vagrants all across the stream.
They also cut down all the reeds that were overgrown and apparently providing space for vagrants to hide.
“We want all residents to get involved. City Parks is not doing its job,” explained FRA chairperson John Thorby.
He said the place was a complete mess and residents tried to clean the area almost every six weeks. “We are appealing to the authorities to move the vagrants from this place and find them proper accommodation – an area where they can be controlled, “said Thorby.
Randburg SAPS Sector 3 manager Constable Gerry Maluleke endorsed the initiative and indicated that the associations were very helpful in combating crime. “I have a good working relationship with them, they are always working with us (police) to solve the crime challenges in this area,” said Maluleke.
FERF Chairperson Conrad Fick said vagrants were transgressing City bylaws by dumping litter everywhere.
“The municipality, JMPD and City Parks must get more involved and clean this area,” concluded Fick.
Ward 104 councillor Mike Wood expressed his gratitude to the residents and associations, working together to solve challenges in their community.
Details: Ferndale Resident’s Association 083 800 4090; Ferndale East Resident’s Forum 071 902 4848; Ward 104 councillor Mike Wood 082 853 2174.
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