Jobseekers, illegal parking, and traders everywhere but no JMPD in sight?
The residents want to know what JMPD is doing about the informal traders and illegal parking on Sunrise Boulevard in Lonehill.
Residents of Lonehill are fed up with the chaos caused by illegal parking and informal trading on Sunrise Boulevard. Despite efforts by some of the local businesses, including Builders Warehouse, to improve security and cleanliness in the area, the problem persists.
Job seekers parking their vehicles on the middle island and sidewalk, obstructing traffic flow and causing hazards, have become a daily frustration. Meanwhile, informal traders continue to operate on the narrow sidewalk, posing a challenge for pedestrians.
Hans Jooste, who is one of the fed-up residents, points out that it’s time for the City Council and JMPD to step in and take responsibility for managing the situation.
Also read: JMPD warns informal traders to get licenced or face consequences
“We have passed this on, many times, to JMPD, but with little to no response. Parking on the sidewalks is not just a by-law contravention, but a contravention of the Road Traffic Act, yet nothing happens.
“JMPD and SAPS drive by two or three times a day but do nothing. Similarly, the informal traders on Sunrise Blvd are illegal as the sidewalk is too narrow to accommodate them and pedestrians.”
He added that the private sector and businesses cannot legally deal with the problem. He said what they can only do is to contribute towards cleaners, and planting plants to beautify the public space.
Also read: Fourways vendors speak out after Gauteng Department of Education ban on food sale
“They make sure that sidewalks are cleaned, verges swept, rubbish removed, and grass cut. The problem is now a matter to be managed by the council and JMPD.”
Jooste is the general manager of Future City Fourways (FCF), a non-profit company that is cleaning and providing maintenance services in Fourways.
The spokesperson for JMPD Superintendent Xolani Fihla said, “We are aware of the ongoing challenges of illegal parking, informal traders, and job seekers. We understand the frustration of residents and businesses regarding these issues. “JMPD conducts periodic enforcement operations across the entire Region A focusing on all three of the triband functions, crime prevention, traffic law enforcement, addressing illegal parking, speeding, reckless driving, and other traffic violations.”
JMPD has ongoing plans to increase visibility and enforcement across the entire region. “The implementation of these plans is ongoing and will continue to be adjusted based on the evolving needs of the community.”
Follow us on our Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok pages. Join our WhatsApp group for any story ideas you may have.
Related article: JMPD enforces rules against illegal vendors
