We moved to Olivier Street, Noordheuwel, about four years ago. We chose the area for the incredible views and the small piece of nature that is still present.
However, we are also in full view and range of The View, the dead end at the end of Olivier Street, overlooking the valley. From here you can see as far as Johannesburg, Randburg and Lanseria. This cul de sac is a meeting place for all the teenagers and young people of our town, it seems. Not a day goes by without a meeting of some sort, usually with loud music, alcohol and sometimes even other substances. This occurs all times of day and night, last night until 3am. Needless to say, the tranquility of the area is in jeopardy and the residents are frustrated and quite upset about the situation.
Various schools in the area’s matriculants also use this spot as a celebration venue for “forty days” and other occasions. Alcohol is always present. On various occasions we’ve been up there to ask the kids to turn down the music, stop screaming and stop revving and spinning their vehicles. Our area’s CPF are also continuously called to the spot to assist. As the area is a suburb, kids and people use the roads to walk their dogs, cycle and run.
Most of the time when these perpetrators leave, they seem to think that they are racing drivers and speed down the road, heading west, sometimes without stopping at the stop sign on the corner of Olivier and Forsyth Streets. This will eventually cause an accident or another tragedy.
Every morning the area is left littered with empty and broken liquor bottles, sometimes condoms, and we have even found needles. On New Year’s Eve, The View was a gathering spot for people that set off fireworks and there was an abundance of spectators as well. Our pets suffered immensely and not even members of the CPF could stop them. We have also approached the authorities on numerous occasions, but the situation just carries on.
My plea today is to the parents of teenagers and even those older than 21. Please know where your kids are going to. Make sure you know what happens at The View. If need be, go there yourself and investigate.
