EMPD removes illegal shacks and stalls in Hospital View
The DA in Ekurhuleni believes that a safe and clean environment is the constitutional right of all Ekurhuleni residents
Members of the EMPD were seen breaking down informal traders’ stalls which were illegally erected along Ruth First Street in Hospital View in the morning of June 17.
According to the Democratic Alliance (DA) PR councillor Selby Thekiso, after some interaction with the EMPD officials, they indicated they were, in fact, removing the illegal shacks that were erected in the evenings when the store owners are away.
“It appears that these shacks are used as criminal hideouts. As a resident of the area, I fully support the EMPD’s efforts to eradicate criminal activity at this crime hot spot. I have heard, on numerous occasions, about residents who have been violently attacked in that area, especially at night as the area is incredibly dark,” said Thekiso.
Thekiso added ironically, in that very area, there is a high mast light that has not been functional for over eight months now.
“As the PR councillor for the DA in that area, I have repeatedly reported the matter of the light to the relevant authorities, to no avail. The residents of that area know fully well and agree that the non-functionality of that high mast light is, in fact, the major contributory factor towards the criminal activities which have taken place in that area. We all know that improved street lighting has a crime-reducing effect,” explained Thekiso.
He said furthermore there are no houses built in and around the area.
“The space is, therefore, not only used as a criminal hideout but as a dumping site too. Not only do we have a safety issue but we have a health and environmental issue too. The relevant authorities have been alerted concerning all issues and still nothing has been done,” added Thekiso.
Thekiso said the DA in Ekurhuleni believes that a safe and clean environment is the constitutional right of all Ekurhuleni residents, despite their social standing.
“It is the responsibility of the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) to ensure that these rights are accessed by all the people of the city, and not only the elite ruling class who stay in upmarket suburbia. We, therefore, call on the CoE to ensure that the open area between Winnie Mandela and Hospital View, along Ruth First Street, is cleaned and that measures are put in place to prevent any further dumping. We also demand that the non-functional high mast light in the area be fixed as a matter or priority and urgency; with the objective of enhancing safety and security in the area,” said Thekiso.
