The City’s Mayoral Committee Members Alderman Grant Twigg (Urban Management), together with Alderman JP Smith (Safety and Security) and Sub-council chairperson, Chris Jordaan went on a site inspection in Clarke Estate, Elsies River to get first-hand experience of the security walls that have been installed at Community Residential Units (CRUs). This project was actioned following the community’s request to curtail the thoroughfare of opportunistic criminals via walkways also referred to as ‘gangetjies’.
The City’s Urban Management Directorate, through the Mayor’s Urban Regeneration Programme, in consultation with the community, has invested in the safety of residents living in the City’s Community Residential Units in Clarke Estate by installing security walls to prevent a thoroughfare for opportunistic criminals.
The community of Clarke Estate had identified various issues they are facing on a daily basis, including rife gang activity and smash and grab incidences along 35th Avenue. It was prioritised that security walls be erected between the various residential units and along a stretch of 35th Avenue. These walkways, also referred to as ‘gangetjies’, were often used by gangsters to escape during shootings.
Approximately R3,8 million has been allocated to Subcouncil 4 for the security walls in Clarke Estate.
‘I encourage members of the public to report criminal activity to the City’s Public Emergency Communications Centre on 021 480 7700 from a cellphone and 107 from a landline. The City relies on members of the public to report illegal activity and values the support provided by community members in working together with the City to ensure their safety,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
Alderman Grant Twigg, Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Management said: ‘The installation of security walls at CRUs will create safer courtyards with improved surfacing, kerbs, storm water channels and washing lines. This has been implemented to date within the communities of Scottsdene and now Elsies River. We see the value that it brings to these communities and is planned for roll-out in more communities, as gangsters can no longer use these walkways for their illegal activities and as escape routes to run away from law enforcement officers.
‘We thank our residents for their participation and their patience during the construction. As we have received positive feedback from the community, we will roll out these security walls at other CRUs across the City as well. As a caring City, we will continue to engage with our residents so that we work together to improve the living conditions and safety for our residents and their families.’