POLOKWANE – They are asking for a wall to be built closing off the open veld along Grand Canyon Street.
According to one resident this veld is an eyesore for the community.
Daniel Mampa-Southern is a member of the Westenburg concerned group who says the need for a wall is long-overdue.
“There is a big problem in our area regarding crime. Whenever criminals commit crimes they run into the bushy area along Grand Canyon Street and hide there. As residents we feel if the veld is barricaded then criminals will have nowhere to hide,” he said adding that the problem is not limited to crime only.
There is also a major concern regarding the amount of illegal dumping that goes on in the vicinity and he says residents are dumping litter there even though they know it is illegal. “The dumping that goes on is terrible. There is a sign there but people are not adhering to it. The river also poses a huge threat to our children because they could drown there,” Mampa-Southern said.
In addition to the wall, he says a sidewalk would be a welcome addition.
Municipal spokesperson, Matshidiso Mothapo responded saying:
“If members of the community have issues the usual channel is to engage ward committees, in the event that there is no ward committee then the ward councillor would be the best person to speak to, and they will bring it to the attention of the municipality,” he explained.
According to Mothapo a project of this magnitude would require capital which would mean that the municipality would have to have funding to see this through.
He says with these type of projects they will have to plan ahead in terms of the funding that is required.
“We cannot just build a wall, it is not in the scope of the municipality to build walls to protect the community. Walls are only built for gated communities and it is not the municipality that does so but the private companies that own those residences,” he continued. Mothapo referred to the dumping problem that is rife in the area and said it is up to the community to solve that problem as it is created by them.
He says parents must also make sure that they keep an eye on their children so that they don’t go to the river.
“Other solutions should be sought regarding these problems. Residents should not leave everything up to the municipality,” Mothapo concluded.
