Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) appeals to residents to be patient as it resolves seasonal backlogs.
The wet weather and fast plant growth is posing challenges. The JCPZ said it is committed to catching up on seasonal maintenance in green areas.
Mr Sakhile Maphumulo, the general manager for regional maintenance, said summer rains significantly affect the JCPZ’s ability to deliver efficient service. The warm and wet weather accelerates the growth rate of grass, shrubs and trees and impedes on work schedules as employees are not authorised to operate machinery in the rain.
This weather also poses the following challenges:
r It hinders contractors as it is not cost-effective to commission work in the intermittent rain.
r Results in operator downtime as the overgrowth places extra pressures on machinery.
r Increases the time it takes to maintain open spaces with long overgrowth.
r Generates an increase in the number of residents requesting street tree pruning.
r Boosts the number of visitors to the city parks, resulting in added strain on playground infrastructure and increased bylaw transgressions such as littering and illegal parking.
According to the JCPZ, the seasonal challenges are further related to an increasing portfolio of public open spaces.
The entity appeals to residents to look after pavements next to their homes to alleviate some of the pressures on the maintenance team and help them attend to problems on time.
The JCPZ commended residents who are maintaining their verges.
Residents who need assistance with maintenance can call 011 375-5555 or e-mail jcp@jhbcityparks.com
