New parks are of poor quality, say residents
“We are going to raise these concerns during the city’s executive in council meeting and hold those responsible accountable".
Kwatsaduza – Residents are not happy about the poor quality of the R1m worth of eco-parks that were constructed as part of the Lungile Mtshali Community Development Projects in the area three months ago.
The project was one of several initiatives aimed at renovating and building parks.
They have raised grievances that the parks are of poor quality and could not be worth the money that was budgeted for them.
Ward 79 councillor Zwelibanzi Ngwenya says the community was happy when they were informed about the new development in the area.
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“We knew that our children would no longer be forced to travel to neighbouring areas to use the facilities of a park.
“We understood, through the big budget, the park would be fitted with some of the best equipment, but that was not the case.
“We were disappointed when we saw the end results.
“They installed a few gym machines, painted the old swings and fitted the park with a cement braai stand and a bench,” he says.
Ngwenya says the machines were broken within a few weeks of the park being handed over to the community.
Another concerned resident from Tsakane says they are facing the same challenge in their area.
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“As the community, we decided to take it upon ourselves to fix the broken machines.
“We have volunteered to weld back the broken machines and barricade the park until we are done fixing it.
“We know if we were to wait for the city to fix it, it might take years,” he says.
Metro ANC chief whip, councillor Jongizizwe Dlabathi, says they are disappointed at the poor level of work done at some of the parks.
He adds, “Even though there’s an indication that work has been done in various wards, we are concerned that some of the work is unsatisfactory.
“We are going to raise these concerns during the city’s executive-in-council meeting and hold those responsible accountable,” he says.
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