The poor condition of the Bez Valley World War I Memorial at the corner of Kitchener Road and 9th Avenue in Bez Valley has been a constant concern for residents and the Heritage Foundation.
Residents undertook several attempts to save the memorial built to honour the men from Bez Valley and Kensington who died in World War I.
The historical memorial is currently in shambles and the fountain in disrepair.
A plaque with the war heroes’ names engraved is covered in soot from the fires allegedly made by vagrants.
The site has become a spot for drinking and other social ills.
A meeting was recently held with the Heritage Foundation and other stakeholders to find solutions on how to preserve the memorial.
Isabella Pingle, a member of Kensington Residents and Ratepayers Association (KRRA) who looks after the heritage of Kensington, said the memorial is an embarrassment.
“The water fountain is in pieces. The whole memorial site is an eyesore and it is tarnished with black soot from continued fires. The War Memorial has been an ongoing concern with no solution. The best option is to have the War Memorial moved to a safer environment,” said Pingle.
In 2014 the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation organised restoration work, purchased trees, the wall behind the memorial was painted, the area cleaned and benches were put in at no cost to the city.
In November 2017 the EXPRESS reported that Joseph Dube had called on residents to help in preserving the World War 1 Memorial.
In March 2018 Ward 66 Clr Carlos Da Rocha also organised a clean-up with local residents.
“There is no point in organising clean up activities and the city spending time and money if we can’t sustain and protect our heritage,” said Pingle.
City of Joburg’s head of heritage Eric Itzkin said they are also concerned about the memorial site.
“We are concerned about the ongoing desecration of the site and we are looking into securing the survival and long-term future of the memorial.
“Our concern is that this may not be sustainable in the present location. The idea of relocating the monument to an alternative site in the Bez Valley area is something that should be explored and considered,” said Itzkin.
He said they have looked at two potential sites where they can move the memorial too.
“We have visited Bez Park and the military base in Kensington. The potential new site should have good public access, as well as offer a secure and dignified environment. The Provincial Heritage Resources Authority Gauteng will have to also provide approval for this,” said Itzkin.
He said the process will take some time as there are financial implications to moving the memorial to a new site.
“We would like to hear the public’s views and people who are interested in assisting by sponsoring the move project can contact us. Our history is worth preserving and fighting for,” said Itzkin.
