The problem of the criminal element outside the Roodepoort licensing station in Westway Road, stubbornly refuses to go away.
For years the public has complained about the intimidation and scamming of the loiterers outside the station. The aged, women and the vulnerable seems to be targeted most often but DA Councillor, Dave Dewes believes he has a simple solution for the problem if only the city will cooperate.
Dewes says with a few minor changes the problem can be resolved. Firstly those visiting the station should not engage with the crowd outside and should preferably bring their own photos when coming for their learners licenses and not make use of the caravan outside. All other photos get supplied inside. The parking area will also be resurfaced and the pedestrian gate removed if Dewes has his way.
Dewes also encourages the public to only park inside and has pitched a proposal to put up a boom with a security guard, open up the second gate, widen the entrance and creating more parking bays inside.
“So often there is an easy and inexpensive solution but it sometimes take a year to complete. This is completely unacceptable especially if the vulnerable gets taken for a ride,” he says.
Dewes blames the city and says the “city is being crisis managed instead of proactively”. He goes on to say that JMPD’s by-law enforcement unit is not consistent in policing the licensing station.
“They are very keen to sit the whole day and trap motorists but can not address this problem.” He further claims Florida police is reluctant to take action.
According to the Municipal Financial Act new alterations can only be paid for out of the capital budget and Dewes says though R1,2 million budgeted that it has been moved elsewhere.
Gift Zondo of the JMPD’s facilities unit has promised Dewes two weeks ago that within three weeks he would “make a plan”.
Zondo confirmed that Dewes’ plan has been discussed but says the procurement process is lengthy and difficult since the order has to go through 13 offices. He also says the caravan can not be moved inside.
According to Zondo there is also plans to revamped the buildings in the new financial year.
“I will try my best to make the councillor’s plan crystallise and I am meeting with the contractor on site today,” said Zondo on 27 January.
He did not want to commit to a timeline.
