Concerned residents from Hyde Park in Mitchell’s plain are calling on all those residing in Mplain, and those concerned with the ongoing protest action by Siqalo informal dwellers on the newly re-named Jakes Gerwel, otherwise known as Vanguard drive.

Speaking on behalf of the community concerned resident and one of the organizers, Fatimah Cloete said that all that they are requesting is for the City to hear their cries and stop the residents in Siqalo from protesting.

“We are not saying that the City must forcefully remove these people, they are humans too. But when I moved into Hyde Park things were never this bad,” said Cloete.

But Cloete states that ever since the informal dwellers moved in on the unoccupied land, crime levels have escalated.

“I am not saying that there was no crime when I moved in here but crime has definitely increased since then,” added Cloete.

The community has expressed concern at the protest action, which at times is a great inconvenience and they are hoping that the City could come up with a solution to prevent any further protest action from taking place.

She goes on to say that all they are asking is for the residents of Siqalo to stop with the protests, so that they can have a safe passage through Vanguard drive.

She explains that they have not worked on what happens after the meeting but will keep the community informed via social media.

They are hoping that local councillors will attend the meeting but do not know if anyone will be in attendance as yet.

The meeting is scheduled to take place today (Sunday 22 February 2015) at the Portland’s indoor centre. VOC (Imogen Vollenhoven)