Wright Park residents have raised concerns about the deteriorating state of the New Era Station, saying the neglected property has become a safety hazard and a hotspot for criminal activity.

What was once a vibrant and busy station and taxi rank is now in ruins. The Metrorail commuter rail stop and local taxi rank located in Wright Park stopped operating in 2020 due to Covid-19.

Residents claim the station has not been maintained for years. Ward 74 Cl Thulani Simelane said he has repeatedly reported the matter to the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa), but has yet to receive a response.

“We have been asking Prasa for years to maintain this place. There is security that patrols and safeguards the area, but that has not stopped people from vandalising and stripping the station,” Simelane said.

He said the community wants Prasa to clear the overgrown vegetation and maintain the property to improve safety.

“Our request is for them to keep it clean, prune the trees and cut the grass. Some people work at the businesses behind the station, and they have to pass through the area every day to get to work. They are being robbed,” he said.

Simelane added that several street lights are no longer working because overgrown trees have damaged the electrical cables.

Wright Park executive chairperson Gerhard Marais said the lack of maintenance has become a safety hazard and is negatively affecting the appearance of the neighbourhood.

“It’s a disgrace for our area. It looks like we’re living in a slum. It is Prasa’s responsibility to maintain its infrastructure,” he said.

Marais added that overgrown vegetation provides hiding places for people, creating safety concerns for residents.

“Now and then, people hide in the bushes, and security officers have no choice but to open fire.

“The discharge of firearms poses another threat to residents. Prasa needs to step up and maintain its property,” he said.

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The deputy chairperson, Collin Radebe, said residents living near the station have repeatedly voiced concerns about their safety.

“As a community, the challenge we are facing is that the station poses a danger to us.

“The residents who stay next to the station have been complaining about their safety concerns,” he said.

This publication sent an enquiry to Prasa, which yielded no response by the time of publication.