Invitation to view what has been done

Soula Foord, of Western Extension, writes by email:

This letter serves as an invitation to Ms Sally Grant, (BCT August 2) to accompany our members on a tour of Western Extension, so that she can be shown each and every drug house which has thanklessly been closed through six years of sheer perseverance and hard work by a group of committed volunteers of the Community Police Forum Sector 5.

For her to say that “nothing has been done” regarding this issue is demeaning to those few people who, instead of complaining, actually do something.

We have found the sheer apathy of the community at large to be astounding.

Every single person has noticed the steady decline of the suburb over the past few years, every single person has complained about the drug houses, prostitutes and crime, but very few have taken the bull by the horns and actively tried to improve the situation.

Yes, we all know there are problems within the SAPS, EMPD and council.

That is part of the reality we currently find ourselves in.

You are correct to voice your concerns, the authorities MUST take action.

However, we as residents can stop the decay in the interim.

How about formalising the clean-up you and your other residents are doing in your area?

Set aside a few hours on a weekend, print up some pamphlets, knock on doors and spread the word that you are organising a regular clean-up.

Request that everyone comes out with a broom, a spade and some rubbish bags and let’s see what the power of a community standing together for a common cause can accomplish.

The question raised here Ms Grant, is: if no one else will help us, should we not help ourselves?

Yes, it takes leadership, effort and commitment to arrange such things, are you prepared to do it? Is anyone prepared to do it?