A project to fence a park area in Norkem Park had been halted as a result of complaints received from the community.
It will only resume once the issues raised by the community had been resolved, said Themba Gadebe, spokesperson for the City of Ekurhuleni.
Nearby residents are up in arms about sections of the fence already erected.
According to one resident, who wished to remain anonymous, residents started a petition to fence the open area bordering Blomspruit Avenue two years ago, after a surge in crime in the suburb.
“Three years ago four armed robbers entered my home,” the woman, who lives opposite the park, said. “Residents’ lives are at risk. We need fencing.”
After years of petitioning, the need to enclose the area bordered by Jannie Roux Avenue, Blomspruit Avenue and Fanie de Klerk Street was finally approved and construction started in the last week of September.
However, construction stopped shortly after, when residents complained that the fence didn’t meet safety standards and that the municipality budgeted too much for the job.
According to documentation sent to the residents by the municipality, R1.8-million was put aside for the project. Gadebe told Express the budget was R1.6-m. Residents have since brought forward an independent quote of R998 611.
Gadebe said the budget would not be revised.
“Ekurhuleni follows its approved supply processes when it procures goods and services, and the same process was followed in this incident. Therefore, any process outside of this process will be irregular.”
The woman said the work done so far had been shoddy.
“The screws and bolts are on the outside of the fence, meaning anyone with tools can loosen them.”
She also said the mesh used was of poor quality and it could be easily bent.
“If barbwire was used like at the old Kempton Park Hospital, it could prohibit people from jumping over.”
According to ward councillor Desmond Mckenzie, the responsibility now lies with Ekurhuleni.
“Ekurhuleni has confirmed it is waiting for a final report from professionals, after which a further site visit will take place,” said McKenzie.
According to Gadebe, the project will resume once the issues raised by the community have been resolved.
