No quick fix for Warners job seekers problem

There is no easy solution to solving the problem of job seekers congregating in groups on Kingsway in Warner Beach.

 
That is the view of ward 97 councillor, Andre Beetge, who has been aware of the problem and attempting to find a rational solution for a number of years.

 
It is suspected that opportunist criminals integrate themselves into the groups of genuine job seekers and a number of crimes in the area have been attributed to the ‘loiterers’.

 
The ongoing problem was once again highlighted after a recently-caught thief was linked to the group of men who sit on Kingsway, waiting for work.

 
“While I recall finding my own gardener, who is still with me, in the same location 15 years ago, the numbers of genuine job seekers, who loyally wait from 6am in the hope of securing enough to afford a meal for the day, has certainly increased over the years and then possibly in relation to new development around the traditional suburban borders – but likewise have the number of opportunist within their ranks,” said Cllr Beetge.

 
“It does pose a problem, as those who don’t get picked up for work could resort to drinking, littering or other activities of public concern.

 
I received requests from business owners and residents to relocate them further down the same street or other locations. However, this would be impractical, as it would only move the problem to someone else’s doorstep, with no effect on limiting the opportunist.

 
In an effort to help us better understand who and what we are dealing with, in 2014 I requested the ward committee portfolio holders of vulnerable groups, job creation and skills development, as well as health to combine their efforts and conduct an audit to harvest information regarding these job seekers’ personal details, addresses, skills, family and health.

 
This in addition to identifying a suitable location – serviced by or located near or along public transport routes, but also easily accessible by residents – where a structured project can be piloted. The result of this exercise is, however still forthcoming and, as such, hampers our efforts towards debating a resolve for the situation.”

 
Cllr Beetge can be contacted on 082-718-8137 or email andreb@skytec.co.za with practical and implementable suggestions or recommendations to solve the problem.