Overgrown grass concerns resident, ward councillors
On Wednesday, February 25, the DA’s ward 18 councillor, Clr Heather Hart and the spokesperson for City Planning and Economic Development, wrote a petition which was to be to be handed to council.
The overgrown grass at the corner of Greenstone Drive and Pallisser Road in Edenglen has become a nuisance for residents, even more so at night as there are no lights.
One resident, Mr Alrino Monty, an elderly resident who prefers walking to the nearby Green Valley Shopping Centre, said the overgrown grass creates a breading ground for criminal activities.
Mr Monty said he fears walking in the area sometimes.
“Before it used to be beautiful and we could walk about freely, but now anything bad can happen to people walking here,” said Mr Monty.
In July last year, an alleged rape was reported in the area.
On Wednesday, February 25, the DA’s ward 18 councillor, Clr Heather Hart and the spokesperson for City Planning and Economic Development, wrote a petition which was to be to be handed to council.
The ward 32 councillor, Clr Bongani Nkomo, was to hand the petition in.
Clr Nkomo said he has been sending emails to the office of the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Environment and Infrastructure Development about the issue but has received no correspondence regarding the matter.
Clr Hart said the DA believes the issue is urgent as it threatens the safety of the residents.
“This place is dangerous; both the Department of Environment and City Power must ensure that the area is safe. We will not rest until this matter is resolved,” said Clr Hart.
She said the council’s oversight committee must prioritise the case.
“We have exhausted all avenues, now the oversight committee must look into the matter urgently,” she added.
Clr Hart said if they do not find joy from the EMM, they will petition the province.
Clr Nkomo said emails were also sent to City Power, but likewise, no response was received.
Attempts by the NEWS to contact Mfikoe spokesperson were not successful.
