Heuweloord residents come to diplomatic conclusion
“The one thing we all have to keep in mind and consider when going forward with this process, is the crime we are facing in Heuweloord.”
The residents of Heuweloord had a community meeting on Monday evening to discuss the recent security gate disagreements between residents in Sparden Street and Cape Beech Avenue, Centurion.
“The one thing we all have to keep in mind and consider when going forward with this process, is the crime we are facing in Heuweloord,” said ward councillor Kingsley Wakelin.
A group of residents all came together to discuss the way forward, and to air their objections and motivations behind the decision to close down the two streets.
The enclosure caused severe unhappiness among residents as some complained that it has affected traffic and loitering in other parts of the area.
“Even though we know and understand that crime in the area is a huge problem, we can agree the erection of the gate was indeed illegal.
“The residents of Heuweloord, whether for or against the gates, need to realise the correct set of procedures need to be followed to implement the closing of the streets,” said Sergeant A Janse van Rensburg, TMPD investigating officer of the Heuweloord gate problem.
Heuweloord residents association chairperson, Moosa Bhamjee, also attended the meeting to hear the opposing sides of people in the community and together with the ward councillor, to get to a fair and equal solution.
“We respect all residents in this area and that is why we took the decision to close the streets. No one wants to be a victim of crime, no one wants to be up all night, waiting for the next group of robbers to strike.
“We just wish all residents of the area can stand together and work together as a unified community to solve this issue, instead of taking to social media to air their frustrations,” Bhamjee said.
.READ MORE: Resident stand-off due to alleged ‘illegal road closure’
“We are pleased to see through weekly reports conducted by the CPF, how crime has declined in the past few months since the gates were put up. Now women and children can walk in the streets freely and not fear for their lives,” he explained.
Residents are now urged to follow the legal and recommended procedure to apply through city planning to make the security gates a legal reality.
Tshwane municipality regional executive director, Tebello Masehe, was also in attendance and assured residents that after the following the correct course of procedures, application for the road closures will be permitted and crime will decrease.
“I want to call on residents of Heuweloord to look after their area, but to do so the right and legal way. Service delivery issues need to be addressed and through the right channels, we will be making a difference in your area,” he concluded.
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