After an alleged rape in the park a few months ago, residents rallied to find solutions to address the lack of safety measures in the park. They also demanded authorities take their concerns seriously and implement measures to prevent criminals from accessing the park.
They demanded the park be fenced, that lighting be improved and overgrown trees and plants be pruned.
Mr Navin Bachu, from the Western Kensington Residents’ Association (WKRA) said, “The high growth and non-pruning of the trees and other plants provide opportunities for criminals and vagrants to freely move and perpetrate crime. Benbow Park acts as an escape route and thoroughfare from Cressey, Benbow and Argyle streets into the WKRA area. Youngsters smoke dagga and take drugs in the park. A number of young people were seen engaging in sexual activity in the park. The poor lighting in the southern and central portion of the park provides criminals with the opportunity to hide and surprise residents and other people using the park.”
Over the past few months, requests for adequate fencing and lighting were made by a number of residents living close to other open spaces in ward 66. These residents are facing similar problems. Officials from the JCPZ said on several occasions that fencing every open space in Johannesburg is not financially viable for the entity.
After several articles were published highlighting residents’ concerns with crime, Clr Carlos da Rocha and the JCPZ visited the open spaces to survey the area and determine what their options were.
Clr Da Rocha then held a meeting with the JCPZ and the public to discuss concerns.
At the public meeting held recently, JCPZ officials said they will do everything they can to address concerns, however, they highlighted that fencing all open spaces in the ward would be too expensive.
Quotes for fencing and gates around Benbow Park, which is relatively small compared to other open spaces in the ward, obtained by the JCPZ from three companies were between R41 000 and R51 000. Residents affected by crime in the park, however, said they will not give up. Apart from initiatives they have already implemented, such as patrolling, and are still considering, they are also prepared to negotiate management options for the park with the JCPZ.
Members of the WKRA are aware of residents and businesses in other areas in Johannesburg who sponsored the implementation of safety measures and upgrades in parks.
After questions were raised at the meeting by residents regarding them taking ownership of Benbow Park and working within the city’s regulations, Ms Moodley said these options can be explored.
“We do have parks that are managed by residents and businesses. If residents want to ‘take ownership’ of Benbow Park, we can consider this option. It is, however, a process and residents and the JCPZ will have to come to an agreement. Residents will be expected to sign and adhere to a service level agreement,” she said.
Mr Bachu said, “We are willing to work with the JCPZ. We have found that the parks which have been funded by residents and companies are well taken care of and that is what we envision for Benbow Park. We need to finalise what the JCPZ is prepared to contribute and what residents can ‘put on the table’. If we are allowed to take ownership of this park, we can create a safer environment for all residents. The community will not be afraid to use the park. It is a beautiful park that should be utilised by residents. All it is lacking is security measures.”
Mr Bachu commended Clr Da Rocha for the work he did and for getting the JCPZ to commit to a meeting with residents to discuss their concerns.
“The JCPZ and residents are now in talks to discuss their options regarding the park from a funding and management perspective. I take my hat off to Clr Da Rocha. He held a successful meeting and the JCPZ came with a plan. We will now make work of this,” he said.
