Long walk for pedestrians who couldn’t access green strips
A local school learner’s hair became stuck in barbwire when she tried gain access into the green strip.
SECUNDA – Green strips were designed with the purpose to help pedestrians find a shorter route to schools, work and shops, keeping them off the roads for their own safety.
However, crime has forced the community to convert to strict control and supervision of the green strips by locking up the access points at night and unlocking it early the next morning.
This was not the case for concerned residents and learners from local schools when they recently tried to access the green strip next to Laerskool Secunda.
According to Ms Ena van Rooyen, DA Councillor, Ikusasa is responsible for the closure of the green strips next to the school, and they are therefore responsible to cut the grass.
Complaints from the community about the long grass and the non-access to the area were given through to Ikusasa. The grass was cut and area cleaned, but because of unauthorised closure of the gate, Ikusasa had no choice as to leave the main gate open.
“Someone took it upon themselves to wire this main gate shut. Thus began the frustration of not being able to gain access to the green strip all over again.”
“The wire has since been removed and I have bought a new lock and chain. A custodian has been given a key. The gate will be open from 7am and will be closed at 5pm.
I am in the process of having notice boards printed. The boards will have the times and contact person’s details on it.”
“I urge the community not to take matters into their own hands. Let us work through the correct channels and together we can find more crowd-pleasing solutions. Begin with you Ward councillors and work from there,” said Ms van Rooyen.
Application to close up an area must be done at the Building Regulations Department of the Govan Mbeki Municipality.
There are rules to be followed.
Firstly, the area should still be accessible for pedestrians during the day. The applicant and custodian of the key are responsible to unlock gates at 6am and lock at night.
The key bearers are also responsible to maintain and clean the area.
These gates are locked in the evenings in order to keep criminal activity to the minimal.
Mr Lucky Mhlongo, Communications Officer for GMM, said the matter will be investigated.
