The long awaited fence along Woodlands Drive, Richwood, has finally been completed.
The fence splits Richwood from the N7 highway. The official handover of the fence was done on Friday 15 July.
In March this year Helen Carstens, Ward Councillor, indicated that the project would be completed by the end of the financial year which was at the end of June.
“I am very grateful that through much motivation this fence in Richwood has been completed. The residents in Richwood have been requesting this for many years. I can possibly say that the request has spanned, to my knowledge, more than 15 years.
“During the last terms I was able to engage a number of officials to bring ideas to the table for what to do on this piece of land and of course, the problem is always with ownership and regulations and zoning.
“Nonetheless, it was eventually sorted and the fence was approved. It has been completed in two financial years and provides access for City of Cape Town vehicles to the facilities on the open land that they require as well. The turnstile gates are there so as not to restrict pedestrian access,” Carstens says.
Carstens says she has received many comments from residents on how grateful they are and how happy they are that this has finally come to fruition and that she concurs with them fully.
Neighbourhood watch welcomes fence
In June this year Glenn Marias, chair of the Richwood Neighbourhood Watch, told TygerBurger that the fence has been a success since the installation project started.
“The fence is complete and what a historic moment it was. Some residents say they have been asking for it for almost 30 years now. So I am sure they are pleased to see it finally erected.
“Let us hope it has a positive effect on crime especially the theft of draincovers, wheelie bins or anything large.
Everyone need to help keep area safe
Marais says they will continue to monitor the fence during patrols and regular drive-bys. “Hopefully the community will do the same and report anything malicious. Our armed response companies like Precinct Response and Swart Security have also indicated their willingness to observe and report anything regarding the fence which we are very grateful for,” Marais says.
The fence, which also separates Richwood, De Zicht and Burgundy Estate from Dunoon, is about 800 metres long. The project was facilitated through the Mayoral Urban Regeneration Programme and funded by community services and health. The project cost about R2,2 million.
