Recently we have been reporting that the crime incidents in Craighall and Craighall Park have improved quite significantly.  Unfortunately over the last two weeks there has been a glitch in this trend whereby we have suffered three serious crimes and although they are being dealt with by the police it nevertheless is of concern to all of us.  Together with Parkview Police we are increasing our efforts to stop this sort of thing in its tracks but we must point out to residents that they should be aware of whatıs going on in their area and let us know if there is any suspicious activity that makes them feel uncomfortable.  

It has been reported to us that Superintendent Loubser of the Parkview Police Station has once again been transferred to Johannesburg head office on special duties for an indeterminate period of time.  In the meantime the station continues with its sector management and in CraigParkıs case the proper management of our vehicle in the two suburbs.  For the moment Superintendent Dupiesane, recently of the Hillbrow police station has been put in charge on an acting basis of the Parkview Station.  As you know Hillbrow is one of the toughest police sectors to manage in South Africa.

2.   The New Rates Bill

The Democratic Alliance is hosting a public debate meeting on the 31st of August at the Sandton Sports Club at George Lea Park regarding the new rates bill.  As this is an important issue for all of our residents this would be a forum for them to clarify some of the questions that may be on their minds.  The time of the meeting is 17:30 for 18:00.

3.   Gala Dinner ­ Region 3

Residents are advised that a dinner is to be held on the 31st of August 2004 at the Sandton Convention Hall to honour the contribution of our Domestic Workers.  If you are interested in attending together with your Domestic(s) you should contact Joyce Sibeko at (011) 881 6453.  This dinner is part of the Cityıs program to celebrate ten years of freedom and the cost is R150.00 per head.


4.   Environment

Your executive committee continues to negotiate with Council, Hyde Park Residents Association and various businesses to ³adopt² the four islands between Jan Smuts and the Nichol highway above the Standard Bank.  This is quite a complicated exercise as there are many organisations and departments involved and we are attempting to cut through the red tape and then be in a position to protect the major entrance to both Craighall Park and Craighall.  As custodian of the four pieces of land Joburg Parks is coordinating the project with other players such as City Power, City Water, Metro Police, Johannesburg Roads, Hyde Park Shopping Centre and others who will have an influence on this project.  We will keep residents informed as the discussions progress as we feel that this project is important to all of us, not only in terms of the environment but also security, traffic and housekeeping for our area.

5.   HELP, HELP, HELP

We continue to ask for voluntary assistance from people in our two suburbs, particularly in the areas of Town Planning, Treasury and Security.