City of Johannesburg’s Region B Citizen Relationship and Urban Management (CRUM) held a massive clean-up campaign in Windsor East.
The clean-up was on Earls Avenue and Beatrice Street, with the Courtyard building, once again, being a focal point for the clean-up. The building continues to be a drug den, despite meeting all requirements to be classified as a problem property, as per the Problem Property By-Law Section 7.
Problem Property By-Law Section 7 outlines the power of an authorised official to declare a property a “Problem Property” if one or more specific circumstances, such as abandonment, illegal occupation, structural unsoundness, or consistent non-payment of municipal services for extended periods, are met.
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CRUM collaborated with the urban inspector of Ward 98, Augmented Field Services, Pikitup, JMPD Operations and By-Law Management services, Blackheath Spur, Gauteng Transport Association, Ward 98 councillor Beverly Jacobs, and the community during the clean-up initiative.
Manager of service delivery for Region B Auriel Koloba explained that the clean-up was successful, as the city, together with the community, is improving the quality of life.
“The city is going to continuously educate and empower residents, including recyclers, about illegal dumping. It’s all about changing the behaviour of the community members.”
He further stated that the aim of the campaign is to always keep the area clean.
“The more the area is clean, the more it attracts investment. The value of the properties goes up, and it eliminates the element of crime. Residents should take ownership of their environment. It will alleviate urban decay because sustainability is in place.”
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The Region B CRUM has a schedule to conduct high impact service delivery operations continuously, which makes a positive impact on the area.
“Ward councillors will do oversight, the community will take ownership, and the city will monitor the situation and provide necessary resources to sustain and maintain areas.”
Regarding the Courtyard building, Jacobs said that the issues and the condition of the building have been bad for years. She confirmed that she will continue to fight to get it sorted.
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