A team, or committee, within the Western Kensington Residents Association (WKRA) will be established this year to investigate possible solutions to problems experienced in Benbow Park.
After an alleged rape incident in the park, in Kensington last year, residents united to find solutions and demanded that authorities take action to bring about a safer environment.
Residents requested that the park be fenced, lighting be improved and overgrown trees and plants pruned.
Over the past few months, residents highlighted concerns about criminals using the park as an escape route and youth smoking dagga and engaging in sexual activity in the park.
After several articles were published highlighting residents’ concerns with crime, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) attended a public meeting in October, to listen to and answer residents’ concerns. The JCPZ committed to working closely with residents surrounding Benbow Park to address safety concerns.
JCPZ officials said they will do everything they can to address concerns, however, they highlighted that fencing was not a viable option for the entity.
After questions raised at the meeting by some residents about them taking ownership of Benbow Park and working within the city’s regulations, Ms Jenny Moodley, from the JCPZ, said these options can be explored.
Last week, Mr Navin Bachu, from the association, said at the time residents were divided on what they felt should happen to the park.
“A permanent solution will be sought this year. A survey of what residents would like to see happen to the park, research on what other parks in the city look like, what the JCPZ has done to them and discussions with the JCPZ’s legal department must be held to draft a service level agreement between the WKRA and the JCPZ.
“The lighting needs to be discussed with the JCPZ and City Power. A team in WKRA will be established to address the pruning of the trees and reducing the growth. Requests have been logged with the JCPZ to address the issue of keeping the park maintained. A working relationship will be built with the JCPZ’s manager for ward 66,” said Mr Bachu.
However, residents are not sitting back and waiting. Residents are using social media groups established by the WKRA to raise awareness about problems in the area.
“Residents post on the chat groups if they notice suspicious activity in the park. The Jeppe SAPS sector 1 police officers and the manager, Sergeant Patrick Tefu, have been awesome in responding to the WKRA’s calls to assist when suspicious people are in the park,” said Mr Bachu.
