Community outrage at squatter camp in George Lea
SANDTON – The squatter camp which has been set up in George Lea Park has enraged residents.
After reading the article, Community and city clean up George Lea Park, Week ending 3 June, two residents felt the urge to express their opinions on the park that has caused a heated debate.
In the article, it was reported that community members and City Parks were trying to clean up and restore the park.
Both of the residents have chosen to remain anonymous, given the sensitive nature of the issue. One of the residents said, “In as much as I support the initiative to clean up the park, I somehow have my doubts. Driving past the area yesterday, I was greeted by felled trees and not much more. Contrary to what I read, the park is still filthy and squatters making fires are now in full view of motorists with all the trees now gone. At least they hid the filth. Now motorists can enjoy an unobstructed view of the disgrace that George Lea has sadly become.”
Read: George Lea Park becomes a dumping ground
He added that it would be a daunting task to rid the park of squatters. “That will be the real test. The filth will be cleaned up, as Kate Wardle deputy chairperson of the Parkmore Community Association suggests, but it will all soon return if the squatters still inhabit the park.”
He said he was eager to get involved and help clean up. “This cannot be allowed to continue indefinitely.”
The other resident said, “I was very happy to read the article regarding the clean-up in George Lea Park, it is about time we take back control of our green areas.”
She expressed her concern for the safety of Sandton residents and spoke about her personal story.
“Just another bit of info which will reinforce that the authorities need to enforce urgent control over the waste collectors that live in George Lea,” she said.
Read: A problem bigger than just George Lea
“My daughter witnessed a very scary incident yesterday on Vicky Road, Morningside. Large stones and rocks were being hurled across the road between two groups of informal recyclers. They were running into the road screaming and shouting at each other. She only realised later, after trying to get out of the way, that it must have been a turf war between two groups.”
In her opinion, the waste collectors are aggressive and arrogant and believes that pose a danger to motorists when they pull their loads on the roads.
Read more:
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