Residents of Cosmos Road, supported by the Fleurhof CPF, held a community meeting on February 1 to address various problems plaguing the neighbourhood.

The meeting was called by a subsection of the Fleurhof CPF specifically representing Fleurhof extensions to address crime, the safeguarding of electricity infrastructure, the community wall construction project in Cosmos Street, and community patrols.

The meeting was attended by members of the Fleurhof CPF, Ward 70 councillor Caleb Finn, ward committee member for safety and security Johan Kirsten, and residents.

According to CPF representative Leefar Blennis, the community-built wall at the western end of Cosmos Road has proven effective in reducing foot traffic from the large veld into the neighbourhood.

“The project is still ongoing, and we urge residents to contribute toward completing it.

“The hope is that, once done, Cosmos Road will be completely secure from the western end.”

Blennis adds that the landowner of the large open area did express some concern about the wall.

“The fact is that criminals use this open area as a thoroughfare. They commit a crime in our neighbourhood and then make a quick escape via the greenbelt.

“We are willing to enter into discussions with the landowner, but the safety of our residents is non-negotiable.”

The safeguarding of electricity infrastructure is another project the CPF is working to get off the ground.

“We have seen massive successes in other areas where residents have secured their substations and switching stations. In some cases, neighbourhoods have managed to completely eradicate theft and vandalism of electricity infrastructure.

“If we can replicate those successes here, we can finally rid ourselves of the constant power outages that have been plaguing our neighbourhood.”

Finn gave residents advice on the correct procedure to follow in order to secure their substations and assured them of his support in their endeavours.