GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - The never-ending increase in criminal activity and problematic service delivery in Graaff-Reinet have compelled Cypress Grove residents to unite.
The residents stood together during Covid and since then, these dedicated residents have never looked back.
Resident Stefan Ittershagen-Strauss shares how they rolled up their sleeves during the pandemic to fix potholes in front of their homes.
"As Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said: 'Let everyone sweep in front of his own door and the whole world would be clean.' Cypress Grove residents are taking up their own spades in this plight," he says. They then took on more projects.
What started as an informal meeting some time ago, was just the beginning of big changes to come. Ittershagen-Strauss says a committee has since been established to oversee projects and manage finances generated through residents' monthly contributions.
Their first big project officially kicked off at the river's bend where residents cleared out the area and put up a new fence. This week an electric fence is being erected.
Residents also assisted in repairing and installing new palisades at the Cypress Grove entrance.
Future projects include securing Cypress Grove parameters by closing exits and thoroughfares and installing security cameras. Beautifying the entrance to Cypress Grove is also on their to-do list.
Councillor Joy Williams with Cypress Grove residents Stefan and Gustaf Ittershagen-Strauss (left) and John Maritz (right) in front of the security fence residents erected themselves. Photo: Chriszanne J van Vuuren
Ward brings Williams joy
Ward councillor Joy Williams says she is very proud of her ward members. She is positive about the developments in Cypress Grove and undertook to assist the residents as far as possible and to strengthen their interaction with the municipality.
"This is a perfect example where residents, the local municipality and the ward councillor take hands to improve communities.
With this we would like to motivate other residents to do the same," says Ittershagen-Strauss. "Cypress Grove has always been the grand old dame of Graaff-Reinet, and she is being brought back to her former glory."
Residents assisted in repairing and installing new palisades at the entrance.
After - The river's bend.
After
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