Since 1995, until I retired in 2011, I had seen most of Louis Botha Avenues’ western business area of Orange Grove change from an orderly and acceptable situation, into a dirty, drug-infested and liquor-driven area. I blame the city council and, in particular, I lay the blame with the Department of Urban Planning and Development as well as Building Control in Region E.
For 12 years or more, the mayoral committee promised to make Orange Grove a priority area and would declare it a mayoral initiative.
To date, nothing has been done apart from declaring that the city would build the cc transport system along Louis Botha Avenue. The history of Orange Grove is interesting in that it shows how easily a suburb can be transformed – but not always in a positive way – from a vibrant middle class sought-after suburb into a ‘no-go’ area.
An attitude of “democracy” allowed a free-for-all, while urban planning looked the other way. The Louis Botha Avenue business area began to play host to illegal shebeens and clubs, and many other nefarious businesses. Complaints from the residents association were ignored, while reputable businesses moved out. The city council allowed the situation to get as bad as it is today.
The Orange Grove Residents Association, together with the sitting councillor today, are still fighting a war against these drug dealers and illegal liquor places, without the city council’s assistance. The councillor’s hands are tied because it is not within her powers to close down these dens. What are the residents doing to assist the councillor and the association? Surely residents should also be part of this struggle, and not just say it’s the councillor’s job? The residents need to take some pride in their suburb and create some positive action.
Orange Grove residents: the slandering of the councillor is truly misplaced. Talk to your mayoral committee because they are the ones who wield the authority.
The councillor can only steer the process with the relevant authorities – and keep reminding the mayoral committee of the promises they made.
