Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development, Clr Nonhlanhla Sifumba, assessed the state of parks in Joburg East during a site tour on February 22.
Also read: Spring event at Rhodes Park is back
The tour commenced at The Wilds and proceeded to Bruma Lake Park and Rhodes Park.
Also read: Rhodes Park bowls development programme invites youngsters
The aim of the tour was to gauge maintenance standards, identify safety concerns, put in place supporting marketing plans, and identify potential partnership opportunities to increase visitors to the parks.
Sifumba said the tour revealed a treasure trove of inner city retreats with magnificent views of the city’s skyline cushioned by Joburg’s famous man-made tree canopy. “Joburg has an array of outdoor activities tailored to cater for all residents,” she said.
“The option to enjoy the quietness of The Wilds, or the chirping birds nesting on the bird island at Rhodes Park, or the view from the majestic bridge at Bruma Park are experiences many city dwellers are yet to discover.”
Sifumba said the assessment of maintenance standards at Bruma Lake Park followed complaints regarding service delivery shortfalls.
“The park is largely under-utilised due to the distance to neighbouring communities, displaced persons that are living along the water course, and its proximity to the derelict shopping centre,” the MMC said.
“Reports of opportunistic crime and drug peddling in the vicinity of the park, and complaints regarding the lack of regular horticultural maintenance, were contributing factors to a lack of visitors to the facility.”
Joburg City Parks and Zoo’s regional manager for Region F, Ipeleng Dube, was also on site with her team.
Dube committed to improving maintenance standards in line with available resources.
She said that while City Parks is not responsible for sidewalks, where possible the team cuts the grass outside the entity’s funded mandate, particularly in close proximity to schools and public amenities.
For more news and interesting articles, like Joburg East Express on Facebook or follow us on Twitter. Email joburgeast@caxton.co.za
