Bassonia Community Forum apply for road closure

A volunteer of the Bassonia Community Forum (BCF), Anisha Ramparsadh, said they are campaigning for the closure of roads in Bassonia because of criminal activity.

“The intention is to have access control with boom gates at the three entrances into the Bassonia koppie area.

These are at Skukuza, Mount Pellan (intersection with The Needles Place) and Pieter Ackroyd streets. That way we will be able to feel free without fear in our area.

“Not so long ago there was a courier robbery in Johannes Meyers Drive. The community has been living in fear and now it’s time to stand up for our own safety. ”

“Residents had the opportunity to voice their opinions and ask questions when the BCF created an opportunity to meet in Bassonia Park on June 5.

“A whopping 400 consent forms have already been submitted. We require 180 more consents to move forward. Street captains for each street are available to assist residents with the submission of their signed consent forms,” said Ramparsadh.

She said what stood out is that most residents realise the benefits of road closures and the positive support for this venture is overwhelming so far. The local sard councillor, Tyrell Meyers, has also voiced his support.

“I also support the initiative and I think it is important for most families in the community. We need to live in a safe protected environment. This will also reduce criminal activities that happen in the area,” said Meyers.

The CPF Chairperson, Mr Mike Fontes, said that the CPF fully supports and encourages access control in the koppie area in Bassonia within the confines of the law.

“The need for safety and security is continuously growing and a gated community is proven to make a difference in this regard. Legal access control is part of the CPF’s community safety plan. A neighbourhood closure would also benefit property prices and improve resident’s quality of life.

“From my experience being involved in community policing in this area for over a decade, areas with access control experience radically less crime than areas with open access,” said Fontes.

“The consent of Bassonia residents is required and your participation will be highly appreciated,“ said Ramparsadh. “Residents can contact me on 083 636 3742 to be added to the Road Closure roup on WhatsApp or join the Telegram group on this link: https://t.me/joinchat/bK8blqHko7Q1OTE0

“To get Bassonia to become a crime-free suburb, we require the active participation of all residents and our local businesses to engage with us. The BCF wants you to be concerned for the safety of yourself as well as the residents of Bassonia.

“Communication is the key to knowing who your neighbours are and acknowledging them. Good neighbours also acknowledge those people they do not know, thus letting potential intruders know that they have been seen and observed, potentially reducing the opportunity for crime to occur,” said Ramparsadh.

Advantage of road closure

• Greater safety for the community at large
• Children can ride their bikes in the street
• Families can walk with / or without their dogs in relative safety
• Lower insurance premiums
• Higher property values
• A road closure discourages vendors
• A road closure discourages pamphlet distribution
• Community members get to know one another better and start talking to each other
• Community members keep an eye on each other’s property
• A road closure discourages loitering
• Security personnel at road closure booms/gates monitor all vehicles in and out of the area having an armed response service as a back-up in case of need
• Road closure areas using one preferred armed response service provider can negotiate a lower rate per home for armed response services
• The monthly cost for the services is shared between those who support the service making the contribution less expensive and more affordable for all residents
• Crime is generally a lot lower in road closure areas due to the frequent armed patrols