Kliprivier and Eikenhof areas discussed at public meeting

EIKENHOF –  Andrew Barker, chairman of KlipSa, chaired the informative meeting, which was very well attended. He spoke about KlipSa working closely with SOJO Business and Tourism and explained to the attendees what they do in the community, so far as cleaning up the South and greater Johannesburg.

“Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve (KNR) has been identified as one of the major attractions of the South and Kliprivier Road is one of the main corridors to the South. The focus remains very much on the nature reserve, the ridges, game and plants and we have to be able to sustain these,” said Barker.

“The City wants to develop tourism in the South and we need to bring economic growth here also, with jobs a priority.

“We need to look at small scale farming, food security improvements and alternative transport from the City to the South as well as organic farming, which could become a reality in the not too distant future.

“As far as Kliprivier Recreation Centre is concerned, this needs to be seriously looked at. Presently it’s wasted space and the centre could become far more utilised for the community,” added Barker.

There were some questions asked relating to illegal factories going up quickly in the area which community members are very concerned about.

“We are the forgotten community who live on the other side of the river. Nothing ever gets done over here and we are frustrated with council services, et cetera,” said Nicole Athans.

Barker advised community members to consider forming a local board, which would be able to tackle problems in the area head on.

Another resident said he thinks Rand Water is the problem in the area. “They don’t want to get involved in anything this side of the river.”

The meeting ended with Barker asking the community to be positive towards any new projects which are begun and he thanked Thornbirds for hosting the meeting.