When will City Parks clear the greenbelt along Christian de Wet?

KLOOFENDAL – It is the responsibility of JMPD to ensure bylaws are not transgressed.

Ward 85 Councillor Carl Mann says something should be done to clear the area along Christiaan de Wet Road.

It has been more than a year since the greenbelt area along Christiaan de Wet Road up to Jim Fouché Road was cleared by City Parks.

Ward 85 Councillor Carl Mann explained that the area was cleared during a massive operation by the City of Joburg, City Parks, Home Affairs, JMPD, Park Rangers, Urban Management and Joburg Water.

Vagrants hide in the greenbelt area along Christian de Wet Road.

However, since then nothing has been done again and the vagrants have allegedly returned to their place of hiding. He explained that one of the vagrants built a shack and started a potato garden in the bushes. “I’ve reported this problem to the City and asked them to come and clean the area, but to date nothing has been done,” said Councillor Mann.

“They need to do something about this area, which will help curb crime incidents,” he further explained.

JMPD spokesperson Edna Mamonyani explained that if vagrants have moved back into the area, they would conduct another operation. “It is our responsibility to ensure that City bylaws are not transgressed,” she explained.

Ward 85 Councillor Carl Mann requests City Parks to clear the overgrown area along Christiaan de Wet Road.

She continued that JMPD would enforce bylaws and ensure the residents of Joburg were safe.

Joburg City Parks and Zoo spokesperson Jenny Moodley explained that together with JMPD and Park Rangers, they often respond to residents’ complaints of vagrancy. “The unfortunate reality is that these displaced persons generally relocate to another secluded section of the wetland, only to return at a later date,” she pointed out.

She further explained that an appeal was made to residents to work closely with their private security companies who were well-positioned to assist in combating the problem.

When asked about the overgrowth, Moodley said, “We allow indigenous trees that are growing along waterbodies to thrive in their natural state. These trees often act as anchors to contain erosion and to retain the natural habitat of these ecosystems. Overgrowth along wetlands is maintained over the drier months. These shrubs quickly grow to massive heights after the January rains and are cleared as requested.”

Details: City Parks, 011 712 6615; JMPD, 011 758 9100; Ward 85 Councillor Carl Mann, 072 616 2015.

GALLERY: WRA prevents soil erosion and swamps in greenbelt

Greenbelt raids net 15 vagrants