The Horison train station is almost unrecognisable from a distance, camouflaged by a thick wall of weeds and bushes.

Just over a year ago, concerned residents met with officials from the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) about the decay of the once important community asset. The area was partially cleared as agreed in that May 2021 meeting, but since then, no attention has been given to the area.

Also read: https://roodepoortrecord.co.za/2021/05/17/prasa-officials-meet-with-residents-to-alleviate-concerns-about-neglected-infrastructure-or-prasa-meet-with-residents-about-neglected-infrastructure/

“I have been a resident of Horizon View for 22 years and never before has this area looked the way it looks now,” said James Clarke, who lives within walking distance of the eyesore. “On May 31 last year, a team started cleaning up the station area. The contractor did not do all the work that the management had agreed to have done,” James advised.

With each passing week, more and more of the infrastructure is stripped away, with James able to hear grinders operating along the tracks at night.

“Palisade fencing has been removed, the upright steel columns are being dug out. The street lights have been stolen off the poles and they are digging up the lamp poles. All along Lewis Drive, from Pamela Street to the bridge going to Westgate is unsafe. Pedestrians are being mugged and the criminals run into the high grass and disappear,” he explained.

Also read: https://roodepoortrecord.co.za/2020/12/08/malicious-damage-to-property-believed-to-be-behind-roodepoort-train-station-blaze/

Much of James’ frustration stems from the confusion between the entities responsible for maintaining the area. “PRASA and City Parks cannot decide who is responsible for which part of the area between the station and Lewis Drive. On March 1 City Parks sent a contractor to cut the grass, but only a small piece was done, then the contractor left,” elaborated James.

Also read: https://roodepoortrecord.co.za/2020/10/30/ravaged-railways-approaching-point-of-no-return/

On May 19, two men made off with cables from the station, two days after electrical infrastructure was vandalised in Andrew Street. Avoiding being apprehended, the thieves fled into the tall bushes around the station to make their escape.

“For the blockwatch patrollers and security companies, it is too dangerous to try and chase the criminals into the station area, especially at night,” James added. Having reached a dead end in communication with officials, James and the surrounding community are at the municipal entity’s mercy.

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