Residents pay for grass-cutting on public space
FAIRMOUNT – Residents have to pay from their own pockets to get the grass cut in public spaces.
Residents of Fairmount have expressed displeasure about the grass behind the Fairmount Bowls Club on Elray Street, claiming it costs them a fortune.
They claim rats have moved into the long grass and that it poses a serious environmental danger. Residents also say it degrades their property values.
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They said they reported the issue to their previous councillor, Steven Kruger, who has since vacated his position because of health issues.
Following the last month of by-elections, a new councillor for Ward 72, Lionel Greenberg was elected and residents said they have escalated the matter to him. According to the residents, he has also failed to attend to their grievance and they now demand action to be taken immediately.
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Community leader, Joshua Gavronsky, said the matter has been going on for a long time now and they want the situation resolved earnestly. He claimed that when they reported the matter to Kruger, even though he did assist, the Johannesburg Roads Agency has not been able to complete their task.
He said it is a public place and it is the City of Johannesburg’s responsibility to ensure such services are undertaken. “This is really not our responsibility because this area is not a private space but belongs to the City,” he said.
“Previously we had to pay for the grass to be cut and this is costly for us as residents. We have informed the new councillor [Greenberg] and he only told us that he has escalated the matter.” This, said Gavronsky, was escalated about a month ago and still nothing has been done.
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When contacted on 25 May, Greenberg confirmed to the North Eastern Tribune that he was aware of the situation and is acting on it. “I’m fully aware of this and the regional manager for the Johannesburg Roads Agency is attending to the situation. I have not yet seen the schedule for the grass-cutting in this region but it is attended to as I have escalated the matter,” said Greenberg.
On the day, Greenberg said he will be embarking on a tour with relevant officials from various entities of the City to address service delivery concerns.
Details: Lionel Greenberg 084 247 7000.
