Shop owner’s woes grow as problems in CBD mount
Increased crime and vandalism prompt shop owner on Victoria Street to close up shop.
A shop owner on the corner of Joubert and Victoria streets is fed up with the piles of bricks in front of his shop and the vandalism seen in the streets.
Over 40 years ago, Peter Kester opened the doors to his lawnmower company in one of the busiest streets of the Germiston CBD.
At the time, Peter never thought the day would come when he’d have to close up shop due to increased crime in the area.
“Germiston is the headquarters of Ekurhuleni, but it does not look like it,” Peter exclaimed.
“When we report incidents to the metro nothing happens, but when we’re behind on payments, they’re the first to show up.”
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Adding to Peter’s frustrations is the destruction of the paving in front of his shop which was allegedly due to contractors who had dug trenches to fit cables in July, last year.
Peter claimed he reported the contractors after they left because though they covered their holes when they were done, but they did not relay the bricks to ensure the paving was as it once was.
The ramp and parking in front of his shop were destroyed during this stage too.
“The sidewalk now looks dirty and vandalised,” said Peter.
“They destroyed the paving and as a result, it’s now hazardous for me and my clients to walk in and out of the shop.
“When I spoke to Clr Oupa Tshabalala, he called back the contractors and they claimed they were not responsible and it was another group of contractors who had worked in Victoria Street.”
The vandalism, illegal advertising, pamphlets plastered on his walls and gutter pipes which are allegedly frequently dislodged by recyclers are elements adding to the shop owner’s woes.
“This is destruction of property,” said Peter.
“It is getting increasingly hard to operate, as I have to push lawnmowers in and out of the building.”
According to Peter, surrounding business owners all share the same aggravation.
The GCN contacted the metro and the ward councillor for the area for comment.
Themba Gadebe, spokesperson for the metro, said the metro was aware of the issues faced by residents and shop owners on Victoria Street.
“The metro is establishing whether the workers were contractors or metro officials, so rehabilitation can start if they were metro officials,” said Themba.
“Should it be found they were independent contractors, the metro will get them to rehabilitate the area.”
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Residents are urged to report vandalism and illegal advertising to the metro by calling the Southern service delivery region on 011 999 0977/74 or visiting the office situated at the Golden Heights Building on the corner of Victoria and Odendaal streets in Germiston.
Their offices are on the ground floor.
“In the event where the member of the public observes an illegal sign, they can contact the metro through the details provided along with the details of where the transgression is taking place in order for the complaint to be attended to,” Themba said.
Contact numbers for the Northern and Eastern regions are as follows:
Northern service delivery region: Kempton Park Civic Centre
Corner of CR Swart Drive and Pretoria Road
Floor No 5, Office Number B507
Kempton Park
Tel: 011 999 3667 / 3691/3692
Eastern service delivery region: Springs Civic Centre
Corner of South Main Reef and Plantation roads
Floor No 4, Office Number 427
New Era, Springs
Tel: 011 999 3661/ 8068/8622
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