Floodlights, camera, action!
On January 23, municipal workers were seen cutting down trees in the ‘park of shame’, sparking rumors of a major remodel to what was once referred to as an ‘eyesore’ in the Central Business District.
The ‘park of shame’ is taking centre stage; this time for all the right reasons.
In a media briefing on January 21, Mayor Afzul Rehman discussed the Newcastle Municipality’s strategy to change the face of the town’s ‘red light district’.
During an Executive Committee meeting earlier that day, a discussion was held regarding Paterson Street and what plans need to be set in motion in order to restore the area’s dangerously tainted reputation.
Cllr Rehman tasked the Department of Electrical Services to install floodlights in the vicinity of the park within the week. Municipal staff did not disappoint, and met their deadline with the greatest of ease, installing the lighting shortly after the conclusion of the briefing.
“I have tasked the Strategic Executive Director of Community Services to investigate the installation of CCTV cameras to add to the system we already have place,” he said.
“I have tasked him to do it immediately and given him a few days to come back to me to tell me whether it can be done.” Cllr Rehman said he was not disillusioned as to the challenges the municipality would encounter in future.
“We are sure that even while there may be cameras there, it will not be the ‘end-all be-all’ for the situation.” Under the direct instruction of Cllr Rehman, the Department of Community Services was instructed to arrange a meeting with Newcastle SAPS to discuss a possible collusion.
A mutually beneficial partnership between the two heavy hitters could be indicative of ‘revolution’, rather than being stuck in a dismal rut. The municipality also decided to formally investigate the possibility of fencing off the ‘park of shame’ during their 2015 budget process.
“Finally, we have decided to ask the portfolio councillor for Community Services to investigate how other municipalities have dealt with the issue of prostitution in their cities,” concluded Cllr Rehman.
With the aim of placing prostitution under tight wraps, the municipality was optimistic about putting measures in place to control, contain and eradicate prostitution in and around Newcastle. Despite noticeable changes being made, businessmen and women were concerned with the impact the area’s reputation had on their everyday business operations and overall success.
On January 23, municipal workers were seen cutting down trees in the ‘park of shame’, sparking rumors of a major remodel to what was once referred to as an ‘eyesore’ in the Central Business District. The community thanked the municipality for taking a significant step in the right direction.
“We are thankful something is being done. “The smallest change can make the biggest difference,” said a resident. “If the municipality keeps up the good work, the Paterson Street park may well become a place where children can play without having to worry about what they might be exposed to.”
What the future holds for the ‘park of shame’ is a story untold, but with authorities stepping up and taking the proverbial punch, the metamorphosis is inclined to be nothing short of remarkable.
