Residents’ associations (RAs) are putting their money where their mouths are and making a huge impact on uplifting communities across Northside. The latest operation undertaken by the local RAs marked the beginning of a drive to continuously clean green belts and other open areas throughout the region.
RAs representatives, a security escort from BCI Security, and a team from the Toolbox project descended on the green belt between Shearwater and Van Staden Road on the border between Ruimsig and Wilgeheuwel on Monday, February 4. Armed with refuse bags, pangas, bush cutters, and no small amount of determination, the team set about cutting the tall grass, clearing overgrown vegetation and Spanish reeds, and restoring visibility for residents.
According to Willowbrook, Ruimsig, Amarosa, and Poortview Residents’ Association (WRAP) chairperson Martin van der Westhuizen, the overgrown green land has long provided an effective hiding place for vagrants, who use this green belt as a base for their illegal recycling operations.
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A short walk through this portion of the green belt confirmed this, with rickety, well-hidden shacks visible throughout the area. The Northsider came across a number of the occupants of these shacks and determined that most of them were foreigners, very likely illegally in the country. Most of them speak little to no English, and it was established that many are from Mozambique and Lesotho.
According to BCI Security’s operations manager Lionell Gaffney, the illegal occupants of this green belt likely contribute significantly toward the overall crime statistics of the area.
“I estimate that around 60% of all the crime in this area can be directly linked to the green belt,” he said.
“These are mostly petty crimes like opportunistic thefts from local gardens, homes, and motor vehicles, but it is not only limited to that. This green belt poses a significant threat to local residents.”
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The operation to clean green belts and open spaces aims, among others, to rid communities of places where criminals can hide, enhance safety and security for local residents, and beautify the area, thus protecting property values. It is done in partnership with the various local RAs and the Toolbox project which aims to provide meaningful employment and skills development to deserving candidates.
“This is a continuous project undertaken by the RAs,” said Honeydew RA’s chair Izak van Rooyen.
“As a community, we are taking back our neighbourhoods and reversing the years of neglect one block at a time. We aim to return our parks, open spaces, and green belts into assets for the local communities, instead of the eyesores they have become in recent years.”
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Van Rooyen has urged residents to contribute toward the efforts of the RAs.
“You can volunteer some of your time, or you can contribute financially. This work is for the benefit of the entire community and we appreciate anything that enables us to continue with it. Some people even contribute refuse bags, or water and snacks for the teams on the ground.”
For more information on how you can get involved or contribute toward the initiatives of the RAs, send an email to coj.wrapra@gmail.com.
