South Hills veld poses deadly threat

I am writing to voice my concern over the veld between Theunissen Street and Kinahan Street in South Hills. The council says they cannot maintain it because it is private property, but the owner is not maintaining it at all.

It is over head-high at certain points, and it not only a danger for residents, but also the school kids who use this as a shortcut to get to Diversity High. With the construction commencing on Moffat Park, how many predators is lurking in this area?

The crime is also out of hand as in most areas, but many household have been affected. I have had two gate motors stolen within the space of three months.

The street light also never works and this just endangers the community more.

Prevention is always better than cure. Rather get the owner to cut the grass, before something happens that could have been prevented.

I will also forward this to the Diversity High Principal of as now it has been placed in writing to raise this concern. If something happens, then it should not be a matter of “we should have”; lets get this done NOW!

Concerned Resident

I fully agree with the statement from this concerned resident that the grass in South Hills is overgrown. But it is not only in South Hills, it is the entire Region F. I have made numerous calls to City Parks regarding the maintenance of the parks, sidewalks and open spaces.

The response I received was that it was due to the rain and that the grass grows much faster than normal. And one other response from them was that the contractor was chased away from the South Hills area. The reason for this is that there are unemployed people in these areas and they feel that they can do the maintenance themselves.

I would like to urge these residents to submit their proposals to the city for review. The crime we experience in the area is mostly due to the thieves wanting money to support their drug habits. They prey on the homes where they see there is no visibility. My advice to the residents is to always make sure doors are locked at night and to inform their trusted neighbours when they leave their property.

Another form of crime prevention is to form street committees or patrollers. Moffatview SAPS is always willing to assist and they will attend your meeting. You can contact them on 011 405 1500.

Prior to receiving this letter for comment, City Parks had contacted me with dates to start cutting the overgrown grass.

For any other ward-related service delivery issues, you can contact me on 082 518 4375.

Clr. Faeeza Chame, Ward 57