Urgent Call For Fencing, Safety And Security Along The Lourens River

Our immediate concern is the safety of residents, families, children and people living alongside the Lourens River, as well as the protection of the river and surrounding environment.

1. FENCE THE RIVER CORRIDOR
We call for the Lourens River corridor to be properly fenced off and secured, particularly in areas where the river borders residential communities.

The fencing should:
- Create a clear and secure boundary between residential areas and the river corridor.
- Prevent uncontrolled access and illegal occupation of the river reserve.
- Protect residents living next to the river from crime and other safety risks.
- Protect the river and surrounding natural environment from dumping, pollution and degradation.
- Be properly maintained and repaired when damaged.
- Include controlled and secure access points where people legitimately need to cross or access the river.

2. 24-HOUR SAFETY AND SECURITY
Fencing alone is not sufficient.

We call for 24-hour security monitoring and regular patrols along vulnerable sections of the river.

This should involve appropriate coordination between City Law Enforcement, SAPS, Nature Conservation and other responsible authorities.

Particular attention should be given to areas where residents live immediately adjacent to the river and where safety concerns have been reported.

3. PROTECTION OF RESIDENTS
People living alongside the Lourens River have a right to feel safe in their homes.

We therefore call for:
- Secure fencing between residential areas and the river corridor;
- Regular security patrols;
- Rapid response to criminal activity and emergencies;
- Proper lighting and surveillance where appropriate;
- Prevention of illegal structures and unlawful occupation within the protected river corridor.

4. NATURE CONSERVATION RESPONSIBILITY
We call upon the relevant Nature Conservation authorities to ensure that the fenced river corridor is actively monitored and maintained from the mountain to the sea.

A fence that is not maintained or patrolled cannot provide effective protection.

5. OUR REQUEST
We respectfully call upon the authorities to urgently:
1. Fence and secure vulnerable sections of the Lourens River corridor.
2. Maintain and repair the fencing on an ongoing basis.
3. Establish 24-hour safety and security monitoring in high-risk areas.
4. Increase Law Enforcement and SAPS patrols where necessary.
5. Prevent illegal occupation and unlawful structures within the river reserve.
6. Protect residents living alongside the river from crime and safety risks.
7. Protect the river and natural environment from pollution, dumping and degradation.
8. Establish clear responsibility between the City, SAPS, Law Enforcement and Nature Conservation for the ongoing security and maintenance of the river corridor.

CONCLUSION
The Lourens River is an important natural asset running from the Helderberg mountain through Somerset West and Strand to the sea.

Residents living alongside the river should not have to live in fear or uncertainty.

We believe that a properly fenced, maintained and monitored river corridor, combined with effective 24-hour security and lawful enforcement, can protect both the community and the environment.

WE CALL ON THE AUTHORITIES TO ACT NOW:
FENCE THE RIVER.
SECURE THE COMMUNITY.
PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT.
KEEP THE LOURENS RIVER SAFE — FROM THE MOUNTAIN TO THE SEA.