Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality spokesperson Themba Gadebe said the grass should be cut once a month.
“The grass at local parks is cut on a monthly cycle, as per our grassing cutting programme,” said Gadebe.
He said that due to the rain and a mechanical breakdown, the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Parks Department in Benoni fell behind schedule, but will be on track soon.
On the same note, Democratic Alliance (DA) Clr Jackie Reilly has issued a challenge to Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Mondli Gungubele to make good on a promise, according to the DA, to see to it that all parks in this municipal are cleaned up this month.
“While the DA is thrilled that the Ekurhuleni Metro Municipality has finally admitted there is a problem and has promised to address the grass-cutting backlog by mid-February, it has reservations that this goal will be achieved,” said Reilly.
If all parks are cut and cleaned, Reilly promised to join employees for a day maintaining a park.
However, if they fail to cut all grass in all of the parks, Reilly has challenged Gungubele to do the same in a park of her choice.
Reilly said she is tired of excuses ranging from broken down vehicles and equipment, to council running out of fuel as reasons for the metro’s overgrown and unkempt parks and open spaces.
She said the metro has time and time again hired contractors who do not have the capacity to do the job, or signs contracts stipulating different responsibilities for the same job.
“For example, some contractors cut and remove the grass while others cut the grass and leave it behind when they are done.
“It is bizarre that the ANC sees no problem with two contractors doing the same job differently and being paid the same,” said Reilly.
She has appealed to residents to contact her, on 082 786 8386, after February 16, if the park in their area has not been properly maintained, particularly if the grass has not been cut.
Members of the public can contact Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality Parks Department in Benoni on 011 999 6881 to report problems related to the matter.
