Another proposed road closure in Sunward Park
A handful of concerned residents in Sunward Park extension one and six have come together in a quest to fight crime in the area by proposing a road closure.
The residents form part of the Sunward Park extension one and six closure committee, which was formed in early 2013.
“This was in response to the increase in violent crime incidents in the area, particularly hijackings and armed robberies, which are frequently occurring in broad daylight,” says Kobus Botes, the vice-chairman of the committee.
Residents in Parkdene have proposed a similar initiative and have conducted various assessments in their area with regards to curbing crime.
While others supported the idea, there are those who have argued the necessity of closure.
Botes says over the past 18 months the committee has been working behind the scenes in preparation for the proposed closure as follows:
* In January 2013 a needs assessment was conducted, and 70 per cent of the responses received was in favour of the closure.
* In February 2013, a database was compiled which reaches about 220 households out of a total of 310.
* In February 2013, an e-mail distribution list was established to enable regular correspondence.
* In April 2013, regular feedback to residents via e-mail was delivered, along with hand-delivered flyers.
* In July 2013, the committee gathered information with regard to the legal requirements and obligations for closure from Corporate Legal Services and the Traffic Engineering Department at the metro.
* In August 2013, Sunward Village was engaged to discuss the impact that the proposed closure will have on their traffic access and vice versa.
* In October 2013, approval from the Traffic Engineering Department to install speed humps in Nicholson Road was obtained, in order to reduce hazardous speeding in the area. Two speed humps were erected on June 24, at no cost to residents.
* By February this year, the committee constituted the Sunward Park Residents Association with the Closure Committee as founding members.
* Still in February, residents were informed of the operating cost for the enclosure.
* In March, a bank account was opened in order to start receiving funds from residents joining the Residents Association.
*In April, quotations for a Traffic Impact Study were obtained, which will cost in the region of R80 000.
* In July, an open Facebook group page (Sunward Park Ext 1 and 6 Residents Association) was launched to keep residents informed about the progress with the proposed enclosure, as well as to provide information and news about the happenings in the area.
“Although the committee consisting of only eight residents has been carrying on with their activities with limited resources in their free time with no compensation, we cannot follow through on this project without the support and commitment from residents,” explains Botes.
Botes encourages residents wishing to join the Residents Association or wanting more information regarding the proposed closure initiative to contact the committee via e-mail on sunwardext1closure@gmail.com or to join their Facebook page. – @TumeloBoksburg
