Buccleuch residents tackle community issues

The initiative was formed in response to an increase in crime which, according to Andrew McMurray, residents saw as a concern.

McMurray, one of the founders of the blockwatch, explained how the initiative came to fruition.

“As residents, we decided to call a meeting to discuss the crime in the area and after consulting with a security company, they suggested we start the blockwatch,” he said.

The blockwatch patrols various streets in Buccleuch, including Muller Street South, Gibson Drive, Beatty, Parkville, and West and Twain streets but McMurray expressed hope that it would extend to more streets in the area.

McMurray added that the blockwatch was more than a crime-fighting initiative, but also included doing clean-ups in the area and involved others in the process.

“We also wanted the blockwatch to be a way for everyone to get to know one another as neighbours, and to also create a sense of awareness among residents,” he said.

Ward 32 councillor Bongani Nkomo praised the initiative and threw his full support behind it.

“It’s a great initiative on the side of residents because they came together to discuss possible solutions to the problems affecting the suburb,” he said.

Nkomo also highlighted the need to deal with issues, particularly crime, in the area as it is not only a problem for authorities, but also for residents.

McMurray and Nkomo both expressed the hope that the initiative would gain more traction and spread to the entire suburb.

For more information or to get involved, go to the blockwatch’s Facebook page, MBPTG Street Association.