Houghton residents ensure Joburg Development Agency removes steel boxes
HOUGHTON – The boxes were removed after residents complained about them.
Just when residents in Upper Houghton were considering petitioning the City of Johannesburg entity, Joburg Development Agency (JDA) to remove the controversial metal boxes, the entity quickly removed them.
The boxes, which were installed on the S-Bend Mural Wall along Louis Botha Avenue, faced rejection from the residents claiming they were allegedly used to commit a crime.
As reported in the North Eastern Tribune [Week Ending 2 January], they were used by criminals to climb over the wall onto people’s properties.
Following the publication, another resident emailed Tribune and tipped the paper off that as neighbours, they will be petitioning the City to force them to remove the controversial boxes.
“The neighbourhood is petitioning JDA to remove those boxes off the S-Bend – your article has portrayed the true mood of the residents,” said Brendon Naicker.
It is believed that a man allegedly used one of the boxes to climb over the wall into a local resident’s house – Glenn Lambert –, with an intent of stealing a television set. He was, however, disturbed before he could make off with it.
Ward 73 councillor, Eleanor Huggett, said she had escalated the matter to the relevant authorities after receiving a complaint from Lambert. “I have been in touch with Douglas Cohen [executive manager at JDA] and they are going to remove the top two boxes anyway.
“I have this confirmed in writing and have spoken Mr Lambert about this. He has also received this information.”
When contacted, Cohen confirmed to Tribune that the boxes were removed already.
“We heard what had happened and the boxes were removed,” he told Tribune.
Susan Munyayi, the spokesperson for JDA confirmed that the boxes were removed. “We have also communicated this action to the affected residents who raised concerns directly with the JDA on the matter.”
Details: Ward 73 councillor Eleanor Huggett 071 785 8068.
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Related Article:
https://northeasterntribune.co.za/249357/city-joburg-wants-ensure-inner-city-clean-end-march-2020/
