Land opposite Calisto’s was cleaned up
Residents discouraged from reporting issues to newspapers without following proper reporting procedures.
OAKDENE – The open land opposite Calisto’s Portuguese restaurant on Amanda Street in Oakdene has been a cause for worry for a resident who was complaining about unwanted visitors.
According to the resident, who has a home on the opposite side of Amanda Street in Oakdene, claimed that the open land has for months served as a permanent home for refuse bin scratchers who litter the area.
“We live in fear as we don’t trust these people, especially that at some point we leave our homes and we don’t know if we are safe,” said the resident. She added that she has heard a woman screaming for help.
Upon investigation by the CHRONICLE, it was discovered that the resident had not taken the necessary steps of reporting a municipal issue before contacting the paper.
Councillor Dennis Jane reported that they are aware that informal recyclers do go to the area to collect recyclables, however, the area has been attended to when a significant cleanup was conducted early this year.
In a letter ‘In councillors’ defence’ published in the CHRONICLE on March 5, Cllr Jane stated: “In recent weeks and months there has been an outcry from many residents about the state of our suburbs in the South of Johannesburg. The implication and indeed often comments made by residents to councillors is that we are not doing our job.”
The councillor noted that residents need to be aware of and follow proper reporting procedures when they are faced with issues affecting council. “For those residents who are not aware, the process of reporting problems is to phone the call centre 011 375 555 or 0860 562 874, to report a pothole, long grass, piles of rubbish, a leaking meter etc.”
After the matter has been reported and a reference number given to the complainant by a call centre agent, a due period is to be given for the issue to be sorted out. Should the resident find that a lengthy period of time, over two months, has passed and no resolution has been reached, the issue should be escalated to the ward councillor. Residents are requested to follow due process of reporting municipal issues to the relevant authorities before resorting to other measures.
