Warning: Corner Rabie Street and Monkor Road a crime hotspot
RANDPARK RIDGE – Eskom insists it is not their responsibility to cut the grass.
RANDPARK RIDGE – Residents are concerned and fear for their safety as the grass and reeds in the open space under Eskom power lines are overgrown between Rabie Street and the N1 Highway Bridge.
Residents along Loerie Road, Troupant and Gertrude streets do not feel safe any longer as their homes are closer to open space.
The storm water runs through the drain in from Randpark Ridge under the N1 and into an overgrown stream which was overgrown with invasive plants.
This apparently provides a perfect spot for criminals to hide, which residents say, result in incidents of smash-and-grabs at the intersection of Rabie Street and Monkor Road during peak-hour traffic.Illegal dumpers also leave rubble there.
One resident, Bernice Bronkhorst, said that, at some point, the sewerage drains overflow from Randpark Ridge and sewage was stuck in the overgrown space, resulting in a terrible stench in the area.
“If the invasive plants were removed, the stream would flow easier and more water would reach the dams,” she added.
“The illegal dumpers would be easily visible and could be brought to book. These displaced people and criminals in the area would not have a perfect hiding space.”
Trolley pushers allegedly use the space as their depot and then burn what they do not want, resulting in the smell of burning plastic, and the leftover rubbish is never cleared away.
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo insisted that this open space is an Eskom line and does not form part of what City Power usually requests them to maintain. They further maintained that they do not have an agreement with Eskom to clean vegetation under the lines.
They further maintained that they do not have an agreement with Eskom to clean vegetation under the lines.
You can read: Eskom’s servitude area a security risk
Eskom’s media desk indicated that their responsibility was to cut trees under the lines, which they said they always do. “At this stage, there is no need to have trees cut under our servitude in question.
“At this stage, there is no need to have trees cut under our servitude in question.
“The cutting of the grass is the responsibility of the City of Johannesburg. All questions should, therefore, be referred to City Parks as this is their responsibility.”
Randburg Sun followed up with City Parks and Zoo on 23 February after Eskom indicated that it was not their responsibility to cut grass. The entity is yet to respond.
The entity is yet to respond.
Details: Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo 011 712 6600; Eskom 011 800 3304.
Become a member of our WhatsApp community by sending your name & surname to 079 439 5345.
