BUSINESS owners and residents are grumbling bitterly about open drug dealing, loitering, littering, drinking and urinating in public in the Meerensee Central Business District.
They unanimously agree that clandestine activities and beggars are not conducive to creating a safe environment and stress-free shopping.
‘This area should be made pleasant and attractive for residents, visitors and tourists, especially as we enter the festive season,. But it is filthy, smells like urine and looks dangerous,’ said one reesident.
‘If you sit in your car and watch, you will witness several drug deals going down in broad daylight – many buyers look like school kids.’
The area has been the scene of common and serious assaults.
A joint SAPS and Community Policing Forum raid resulted on the confiscation of a number of dagga parcels stashed away in the vegetation.
Prostitution in Meerensee is also visibly on the increase and infiltrating the residential and business areas.
Ward 2 Cllr Christo Botha says he is aware of the complaints and will set up a meeting with business and property owners to seek for solutions to beef up security and rid the area of unwelcome elements.
‘We will need input and action by all the local stakeholders, including SAPS, the Meerensee CPF and the traffic department.’
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
