In response to the concerns raised by community member Ian Smith, the City of Ekurhuleni has provided comment on the condition of a former municipal nursery.
Smith, who lives next door to the former nursery, said it has become overgrown and is not often maintained.
He said the overgrown property had become a security risk, fire hazard and eyesore to the community.
Themba Gadebe, spokesperson of the COE, said grass on the property is meant to be cut once a month by a contractor.
Also read: Resident raises concerns about overgrown EMM property
“Grass and weeds exceeding a stem length of 30mm and 40mm are cut,” said Gadebe.
He said the last time the grass was cut was at the end of January this year.
According to Gadebe, the only reason the grass would not be cut is because of “contractual issues”.
During the previous rainy season, the property became overgrown.
“The clearing of vegetation is normally done every year during the winter season,” said Gadebe.
When the NEWS met with Smith, bug weed could be seen growing on the property.
Because the property is not occupied it “takes longer for weeds to be identified as invasive species”.
Although the property is not being used at the moment, Gadebe said the COE has identified it as a Strategic Land Parcel (SLP).
He said the parks department of the COE will contribute to the future cleaning and maintaining of the property.
