Concerns about filth caused by homeless at Willowmoore Park
Willowmoore Park is going to host international matches soon
Eastern Cricket administrator Abdul Data has raised concerns about a group of men who have turned a part of Willowmoore Park along the fence on the corner of Tom Jones and Harpur Avenue into their home.
Data bemoaned the constant smoke from fires burning and the state the area is in.
He said this is defacing the facility at Willowmoore Park, which is going to host international cricket matches soon.
“My biggest concern is that they are messing up the place. Willowmoore Park is an international ground and it looks filthy.
“The law enforcement is doing nothing about this matter. The ground will be hosting international teams soon for the world cup,” he said.
During the Benoni City Times’s visit to the area, we found the men resting in what appeared to be rooms divided by boxes next to charred remains of burnt tyres.
The paper also found the concrete palisade fence, lamp post and entrance to the stadium charred, probably from the fire.
Speaking to the City Times, Vukani Mbayedwa revealed he has been staying at the corner for the past three years and the rest of the men joined him last year.
“This is where I feel safe because the police pass here often and we are next to the Benoni Magistrate’s Court. I used to stay at the Benoni Plaza but we were attacked a lot by people who mistook us for criminals.
“They would appear out of nowhere and without asking give us a hiding because someone within the group had stolen from them so I decided to move here,” he said.
When asked how they survive, Mbayedwa said they sell recycled material at scrapyards. He admitted they were responsible for the burning of tyres.
“We survive by recycling while some of the guys work at taverns in the CBD. Even the fire you see here, it’s recycling. After burning the tyres, we take the wires and sell them at scrapyards in Germiston.”
City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Zweli Dlamini advised Eastern Cricket to report the matter to the EMPD in accordance with its lease agreement with the metro.
“It must be noted that the facility is under a full maintenance lease contract with the City of Ekurhuleni.
“As per the terms and conditions of the lease, the club as the lessee is responsible for reporting any irregular activities within and outside the facility.
“Similarly, in the case of the illegal occupation referred to in the inquiry, it is advisable for the club as the lessee to refer the matter for the attention of EMPD or intervention,” Dlamini said.
Sewerage and open manholes
A City Times tour of Willowmoore Park found lots of open manholes on the pavement towards the public entrance. Furthermore, there’s a blocked sewerage on the Africa Cricket Association parking lot with water all over.
Dlamini said they were not aware of the incidents as they had not been reported.
“No such incident was reported to the city through any of the service query reporting platforms.
“The city was not aware of the above-mentioned incidents that require installation or replacement of manholes both inside and outside the facility. This will be forwarded to the Roads and Stormwater Department.”
Also Read: Willowmoore High says no to bullying
