Residents around Atlasville Spruit park continue to face unsafe and unsanitary conditions, with vagrancy, public drinking, and unsavoury behaviour making the once-popular public space increasingly hostile.

Despite repeated complaints over the years, the situation has shown no sign of letting up – but the area may finally see some action.

The CoE has committed to immediate enforcement measures while also planning long-term interventions to address homelessness in the area.

Also Read: Atlasville Park Crisis: Residents demand action as safety, health and enforcement failures persist

Following the Boksburg Advertiser’s reporting on the situation, Ward 23 Clr Gerald Goslin confirmed that he had escalated the matter to the MMC for Community Safety. In response, the city outlined a multi-departmental approach involving the Emergency Management, EMPD, Specialised Services, and the Department of Human Settlements.

Immediate action to protect residents
A dedicated team will implement several measures in Atlasville, including:
• Task team assessment: Within 14 days, a team will count vagrants, assess their social needs, and distinguish between those involved in criminal behaviour and those needing support.

• Daily patrols: EMPD vehicles will conduct daily drive-throughs during peak hours, enforcing bylaws on loitering, public drinking, indecent exposure, and public urination.

• Weekly specialised operations: Several police units and community liaison officers will regularly monitor the park.

• Monthly blitz operations: Large multi-unit operations will target criminal and nuisance behaviour.

• Signage installation: Six by-law signs will be installed within 30 days, detailing prohibited activities, penalties, and emergency contacts.

Long-term homelessness solutions
While enforcement measures are underway, permanent solutions for homelessness remain limited. However, the Gauteng Department of Social Development is funding a shelter in Benoni, scheduled for completion in 2028.

City officials say they do not have the resources to immediately relocate all homeless individuals, and private shelters can accommodate only a fraction of those in need.

The MMC for Human Settlements noted that homelessness is a complex, nationwide issue that requires collaboration among government, business, and civil society.

The MMC pointed out that a land parcel in the Pomona area has been identified as a potential site to accommodate qualifying beneficiaries from Ward 23. However, the project is still at the planning stage.

More than 1 000 objections have been received regarding the proposed development, which must be considered by the Town Planning Tribunal. This may delay finalisation, meaning no confirmed timeline for relocation can be provided until planning and approval processes are complete.

While the city has now made a range of promises, their effectiveness remains to be seen – the Boksburg Advertiser will continue to monitor the situation and report on progress.

Background
Residents around Atlasville Spruit park have long struggled with unsafe conditions as homeless individuals occupy the area, engaging in public drinking, substance abuse, and leaving rubbish behind.

Families, dog walkers, and shoppers reported feeling unsafe, while local businesses are also affected.
Despite repeated complaints and temporary interventions by security, the problem persists.
Residents have consistently called for urgent enforcement of bylaws and better maintenance to restore the park’s safety and usability.

CMS, a security company also involved in bringing safety and order in the area, had not responded to our request for comment at the time of going to press.

Also Read: WATCH: Pet-friendly walk hopes to bring life back to Witfield Dam