Residents and motorists disturbed by the commotion created after Monday’s festivities.
Residents near the Trim Park complained about the high noise levels, particularly on 16 December. Jeanne Adriaanse, the ward councillor of ward 3 says “Residents perceived it as the worst ever”. According to Jeanne, the noise from the Park could be heard all the way in Tambotie Street.
She says that questions were raised concerning the duration of the event. “Pertinent questions were raised regarding the duration of the event, lack of consideration of citizens, being kept awake and still have to be at work on 17 December,” she said.
She says the lack of respect was displayed towards residents, especially early yesterday morning, when the festivities came to a halt around 07:00.
During that time, people who were in the vicinity experienced some hostility from the party-goers. “The seemingly intoxicated party-goers threatened motorists,” says Jeanne. “Hulle het teen my venters geklap en vingers gewys,” says one of the motorists. Jeanne says according to reports received, some motorists who were driving past the park had alcohol cans thrown at them.
An employee of a company in The Square, alleges that the veranda of their premises was used as a toilet and there was litter all over. She further says that around 08:00, the party-goers continued to drink their beverages in front of the businesses.
She says that this could have been addressed and prevented if the Promotion of Administration Justice Act of 2000 was adhered to. She says, according to the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, 2000 in this case, the residents of an area where an event will be hosted, are supposed to be made aware and given the opportunity to respond to all planned festivities.
In a letter sent by Jeanne, it is alleged that she and another councillor were not informed of the various meetings that took place in preparation for the festivities.
“No relevant ward councillor is known in the matter at all. We did not receive an invitation to attend any meeting or provide input”.
However, they have no opposition to the festivities that take place, all she requires is the consideration of residents who live in the area.
William Maphosa, the municipal spokesperson explains for every local function within the municipality’s jurisdiction there is a joint operations committee, which includes the municipality, the event organisers, the police and relevant stakeholders to address issues, like those mentioned above.
He further says that he doesn’t know how the respective councillors were not involved. “I would advise the councilors concerned to approach the MMC for local economic development as well as the municipal manager to raise their concerns and address similar matters for any future events,” says Maphosa.
After the function, the area was cleaned quickly.
