An open field in Milnerton was left in a state after Openserve, an internet installation provider, erected a material staging area causing frustration for the surrounding residents.
One resident, who asked not to be named, told TygerBurger the site had been erected in the field opposite her home approximately two to three months ago, in full view of her property and others in the neighbourhood.
“It has been left in a filthy state and treated as a dumping ground,” she fumed. “In addition, I have seen vagrants pick through it. I believe it has now become a security/crime risk in the area given the type of characters it attracts. The barricade that has been erected is also useless in keeping anyone or anything out and is an eyesore.”
The resident added no toilet facilities had been erected for the installation team.
“On at least two occasions I witnessed the men relieving themselves against the tree on the site, in full view of my home. It is deplorable that sanitation had not been supplied. Lastly, this is a kid-friendly neighbourhood and as families we walk across the field to get to the bike track at the top of the field. The dump site poses a significant health and safety concern for the children and residents generally. Our once-lovely walks through the field have turned into cautious forays to avoid the unsanitary conditions near the installation site. As a community we deserve better than this.”
She said she contacted Openserve about this issue on 21 August and received feedback only after TygerBurger had approached it for comment.
The area has since been cleaned.
Rectification
The fibre operator said it had applied for permission and was granted leave by the City of Cape Town to roll fibre infrastructure out in the Milnerton area.
“During the project kick-off meetings the contractor requested permission to use the open space as a material staging area, to which the City agreed,” a spokesperson said. “Regrettably, the prescribed housekeeping rules and standards of the staging area were not adhered to by the contractor, and we sincerely apologise to residents of Milnerton for the inconvenience.
“The contractor has been reproached and instructed to remedy the situation immediately. We can confirm that the site has been cleared.”
The resident said a team had come out to clean the area.
“The site has now been cleaned and it looks much better,” she said. “I added some points to Openserve to keep in mind for future reference when doing these type of projects. I think it is important that they oversee their contractors; if they had this wouldn’t have happened and I would not have needed to invest my time in trying to get them to rectify.
“It’s useful to keep future contractors in mind, that they be sensitive to the areas in which they operate and their residents. I point this out because the field in question is very long, yet the site was constructed in full view of my home and windows.
“Had you chosen another area to set up, eg opposite the Scout Hall or further down the road, other houses that have solid walls or no windows facing the street, the site would have been less of an in-your-face eyesore. Also, it is important to ensure a project is overseen from the start, and there is an end point adhered to, with an enclosed container for rubble (eg skip), rather than a cordoned-off area; as with wind and the elements the trash blows throughout the field.”
