Halfway House Development Forum launched and aims to clean up the suburb

Illegal parking, trading and signage in Halfway House are top issues the Halfway House Development Forum hopes to eradicate in the suburb.
This was revealed at the launch of the forum at Halfway House’s Midrand Medical Centre on March 14.

In attendance were various representatives including Rob Fowler (developmental planner), Dr Andrew Jacovides (a local business owner), Ward 110 councillor Angie Mphefo and her ward committee members.

They discussed pressing issues of criminality, safety, and the usage and selling of drugs on the streets in the suburb. Also, illegal parking, mainly on Church Street, by private and public transport vehicles including e-hailing services.

Fowler said in recent years, Halfway House had seen a steady decline from being the proud heart of Midrand’s business district to an area that is in serious need of tender love and care. “The area has developed dramatically with many new high-density apartment blocks being completed. However, the streetscape and the general environmental state of Halfway House have not kept pace. Something needs to be done urgently to protect and enhance this important business node in Midrand. The city council recognises this as do many concerned property owners in the area,” said Fowler.
Jacovides said the forum will be able to work with the city council and property owners for the overall good of the Halfway House community.
“Some stores are given licences to operate but there are no sufficient parking spaces. Cars park on the island and there is no action from authorities and they need to be involved. We need remedial actions and we don’t expect to change overnight but if we are consistent about it, then we will prevail,” added Jacovides.

Ward 110 councillor Angie Mphefo said, “The drug usage and trade here is very high. I have seen it. We once came with police officials and arrested some drug dealers and illegal prostitute businesses next to the rank, but the next day they were back. A forum like this will assist us a lot in dealing with and curbing all these issues.”

She added the forum will help accelerate service delivery and get the attention of people in high authority such as Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda.

The forum will hold its next meeting the first week of April and will invite the city’s various entities.

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