Bryanfern seeks to secure and beautify Jacaranda substation

Residents of Jacaranda Avenue will be taking safety and security of their suburb into their own hands by trimming an overgrown area and securing it near the street’s substation.

According to the residents, the area is allegedly a notorious hideout and escape route for criminals, with several criminal incidents reported in the immediate vicinity in the past few months.
The group of concerned residents aims to clear thick areas of brush and clear litter, blankets and clothing left by displaced persons making use of the area. They also aim to erect a boundary fence at their own expense through a fundraising initiative.

The Bryanfern Residents Association’s Bronweyn Craig said, “There used to be a fence here, but five years ago when the City installed a new transformer, the fence was not replaced. We do hope, however, that the City can help us in some way to reinstate what was here initially.”

The overgrown area forms part of a nearby electricity distributor box and substation and according to the residents, has been unkempt for years.
Ward 104 councillor Mike Wood said, “There is a dire need for community members and resident associations to take ownership of the upkeep of the environment surrounding them. At the moment, the City and its administration are in a mess, and unfortunately, community members and groups are forced to create their own initiatives to ensure that their suburbs stay safe, secure, neat and tidy.

“The Bryanfern Residents Association has really led the way as an example of how this should be done. They have come up with an innovative way to adapt the environment surrounding this substation, helping to improve its security.”
Bryanfern plans to get as many residents involved in the initiative as they can, and to inspire residents to take ownership of their surrounding environment. They are also encouraged to report issues when and where they happen, especially in terms of safety and security.

“By working together, we can keep our suburbs neat, tidy and safe. When they have no luck from the City, that’s when the RA will step in to help with the support of our ward councillor.”
She concluded that due to the small number of residents that pay their monthly membership fee to the residents association, a project like this is made possible.

“If more residents joined the RA and exiting members contribute a bit more and keep in contact with one another, the possibilities of greater safety, security, and cleaning initiatives in our suburb are endless.”

Details: Bryanfern Residents Association www.bryanfern.co.za