Fairland to be restored
FAIRLAND - Councillor and residents are prepared to maintain the reputation of their suburb.
Lesego Maja
lesegomaja@caxton.co.za
Fairland residents have geared up to take on the current issues they collectively face.
Ward 98 councillor Laurette van Zijl held a meeting with Fairland residents to discuss the specific issues that have been a disturbance to the residents and the suburb itself on 16 October.
The issues included the incessant noise from a local church, the awful state of the park on 5th Avenue and the sudden illegal taxi parking space.
After a vociferous but successful session, Van Zijl and residents reached an agreement on how to handle the matters going forward.
It was agreed that the church would be countered with an affidavit signed by the residents.
“A nuisance noise charge is to be laid with the Fairland SAPS and to do so we need complaints,” Van Zijl explained.
“This affidavit must be attested by a commissioner of oaths.”
Van Zijl also encouraged the complainants to attach their reference numbers if they had complained to SAPS.
With regards to the park, it was discussed that it had become a haven for homeless people and a litter magnet.
“The problem is exacerbated by the soup kitchens run by various groups for the destitute,” she added.
Van Zijl suggested that a joint meeting be held with JMPD, City Parks and Social Welfare and Housing – among other entities – to solve this matter.
The taxis proved to be a challenge to handle and it was ultimately decided that the major shopping centres would be approached for their assistance to provide taxi rank facilities.
“Any takers for initiating discussions with the Taxi Associations,” van Zijl asked.
“You need a thick skin, hair on your teeth and to be very straightforward.”
The meeting achieved its goals and Van Zijl was content with the attendance.
“The attendance was great and it shows that the residents of Fairland are willing to tackle their own problems head-on.”
