Residents versus Sanral
The residents of Edelweiss and the Casseldale Community Police Sub-Forum (CPSF) were in an uproar last week when they realised the fence between the N17 highway and Edelweiss had been removed.
According to the residents, the previous 2.1m razor wire fence was safe and they had no problems as they always fixed the fence themselves if repair was needed.
“I drove past the area and saw the fence was being removed and immediately called the necessary people to investigate,” said Barries Barnard, a member of the Clydesdale CPSF.
The residents came in their numbers to demand answers from the contractor who explained to them the fence had been in a dilapidated state and its proximity to the Sanral reserve boundary necessitated its removal so that they could erect a new one.
“The removal of the existing fence was unauthorised and without the engineer’s knowledge,” said Sanral spokesman Vusi Mona.
He added the contractor has agreed to erect a new fence and to supply a 24-hour security service until the process has been completed. The subcontractor will carry the costs of this process.
But according to local resident Maggie Pretorius (64) the wooden fence poles are not secured properly and she could remove one of them with ease.
“How is this 1.4m barbed wire fence going to keep criminals out if I can remove a pole without needing much strength?” she asked.
This is the main concern of the residents as the old fence was much higher and more secure.
According to advocate Kobus Lowies, an Edelweiss resident, the contractors moved the fence about 1.5m closer to the highway, which leaves a bigger area for the children to play, but did not remove the old iron poles, which were grinded off about 20mm from the ground.
These poles are sticking out and are a potential danger to the children playing there.
“How can this be safe?” he asked, adding that they have received no feedback from the contractor on whether these poles will be removed or not.
Mona said the contractors met with the residents at the site last Tuesday where an agreement was reached and the new fence will now be 2.1m, but still with barbed wire.
“We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused to the residents in the area,” concluded Mona.
