WATCH: Service delivery walkabout in Townsview
Problems highlighted include neglected parking opposite Townsview Primary School, illegal buildings, littering, by-laws infringements and drug dens in the area.
ActionSA in Ward 56 with its leaders had a service delivery walkabout in Townsview, highlighting problem areas and possible solutions on April 17.
Local community members joined in the walkabout led by June Bellamy.
She explained some of the problems to ActionSA delegates. She said they have contacted the local councillor about their issues and no one is responding. Problems highlighted include neglected parking opposite Townsview Primary School, illegal buildings, littering, by-laws infringements and drug dens.
ALSO READ: WATCH: The state of Townsview
After the walkabout in Townsview, ActionSA Gauteng chairperson John Moodey said, “Our members and community of Townsview did a walkabout to see the challenges this community faces. We thank June who led us around the area.
“These challenges are not unique to Townsview but a sore point, they need to be addressed.
“It is these elements that we called a broken window syndrome, when you leave the small things unattended they lead to bigger things. Small things like the state of the park, which is used by the community, especially the children are neglected by the City.
ALSO READ: WATCH: The state of Townsview
“This issue was raised with the local councillor and it has come to nought. These are some of the frustrations that people raised and need assistance with.
“When we go around the school you see the total neglect by the City, while there are by-law infringements that are happening in terms of illegal buildings.
“Communes are springing up and we all know the negative impact it has on property values, while it poses the danger of contributing towards crime. This adds to the degradation of the area, which will eventually lead to another Hillbrow.
“What are we going to do about it? Well, we are not in government but we are a lobby group, we will do everything possible in this short time before the elections later this year.
“We will approach City Parks to deal with parks, we will be looking at town planning and Group Forensics and Investigation Services to deal with issues of illegal buildings and infringement of by-laws.
ALSO READ: WATCH: The state of Townsview
“We’ll also approach the SAPS and JMPD requesting action in terms of drug dens that have been pointed out. Pkitup must also clean around the school.
“In a nutshell, we will be taking on the responsibility of the ward councillor to ensure that all these issues are addressed in a short period, and we will give feedback to the community.”
ALSO READ: WATCH: The state of Townsview
