Squatters to be removed from Horwood’s Farm – Hart
“We are hoping the landscaper will choose fast-growing and large shady trees.”
With the Horwood’s Farm having already undergone so many changes, community members can expect more with the next set of contractors. QCOBS is set to start work on the park in the middle of March.
Although the park has been closed to the general public for close to two years following upgrades which started in 2018, Ward 18 Clr Heather Hart says the project as a whole remains largely on track.
The project, which has cost close to R20-million, has seen the park remodelled, sports and exercise facilities added, the play area upgraded, new gazebos constructed and a new braai area added.
On top of this, a portion of the Jukskei Catchment Project was moved forward to ensure the park could be handed back to the community. Hart said although she and the community would have enjoyed having the park as soon as possible she understands the justification to start the jukskei project so that the park would not have to close down in a few years again.
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Hart said in total there were three phases of the park project. “The ‘island project’, which is officially the Jukskei Catchment Project, would have been phase four if it weren’t for the catchment project being moved forward.”
Hart said although things were on track, she said the park project was put on hold on several occasions by individuals she described as squatters living at the park. “Notice was given to the squatters and they had until February 21 to leave the park.”
Hart said if the individuals were still illegally living in the park by February 22, they would be moved and assisted to find other living locations by EMPD. “At the moment some gabions are being constructed and some of the larger trees are being removed,” said Hart.
“The project has received relatively little flak for the trees removal.” Margie Pedder of the Ward 18 committee who is involved in the project said trees would be replanted.
“We are hoping the landscaper will choose fast-growing and large shady trees,” she explained.
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