A new pathway for a safer suburb

WELTEVREDEN PARK – The suburb is known for its large land that can be described as wetlands.

Although this might seem pleasant for the nature lover, it can be a nightmare for security companies, as explained by resident Jan von der Heyde.

“These wetlands contain clay that makes the ground extremely soft when it is wet. This is a problem as security companies use their vehicles to chase criminals in these wetlands and the vehicles tend to struggle to drive through the clay soil and something needs to be done to help them out.”

Von der Heyde is part of a team that is busy upgrading the infrastructure that came up with an ingenious idea to help the security companies in their fight against crime.

“Each and every day we have to remove a lot of rocks and bricks while we are digging trenches to replace old water pipes. We came up with the solution to use these rocks and construct a pathway for the security vehicles that runs from the wetlands all the way through to Wonderboom Avenue.”

While this might sound strange because it would be difficult for a normal vehicle to navigate through these rocks, Von der Heyde explained that this was only the first part of the plan.

“The workers that are employed by the Welridge Resident’s Association were previously unemployed and are now funded by the association.”

He further said they are now busy digging the trenches and filling them with stones.

“After these rocks have been laid, the workers are going to fill it in with soil and smooth out the surface.”

Community Support Services founder Greg Pearce added that the pathway will help out the security companies in the area immensely.

“The new pathway will make it a lot easier for the response officers to drive into the wetlands with their vehicles and this will in turn make the suburb safer,” Pearce said.

The project, according to Von der Heyde, is scheduled to be completed before the end of August and he urges the surrounding community to support the workers in any way possible.

Details: Jan von der Heyde 071 452 8115.