Western Extension resident and entrepreneur Margaret Darby is perturbed by the state of the park on Prince’s Avenue and the surrounding area, including West Street, to what she deems is a lack of maintenance by the Ekurhuleni metro.
Margaret, who is a resident for over 50 years, says despite numerous visits to the Benoni Ekurhuleni metro offices to voice her concerns, a lack of maintenance persists and is the result the park being degraded.
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“They spend thousands, if not millions, which is taxpayers’ money, on upgrades like the recent paving project on Great North Road, but once the job is done, there is a lack of maintenance,” she said.
“Last year they did upgrades to the park, but it is not adequately maintained.
“They put in gym equipment, but it was a messy procedure.
“Leftover sand and cement from the project was left here and over time led to uneven surfaces when the grass grew over it. Quite frankly, that is a waste of money.
“This simply comes down to poor workmanship and a lack of maintenance.
“If they are not going to maintain what they build, why build it in the first place?
“The overgrown grass, also sprouting through the paving, blocked and broken drains leading to roads flooding, and cars speeding on the main road without a fence surrounding the park are grounds for something dangerous to happen.”
According to Margaret, bins located in the park are not emptied regularly, resulting in a pile-up of dirt.
“We find all kinds of dirt here, ranging from empty alcohol bottles to human faeces.
“My staff and I do regular clean-ups because we value a clean environment.
“I also encourage others who use the park to ensure they keep it neat and tidy.”
Her list of concerns include public consumption of alcohol in the park, littering, vagrants occupying the space and cables hanging from electrical poles.
“I love this country and I want to help it,” she said.
“Our future generations will cease to exist if we do not care enough to do something about the situation now.
“They (metro) should not commence with projects if they don’t have a proper plan for maintenance.”
The metro was contacted for comment regarding the matter.
Divisional head for communication and media relations at Ekurhuleni Nhlanhla Cebekhulu stated the following:
“The Ekurhuleni’s metro parks officials clean the park weekly.
“A notice board stating rules will be erected to make it clearer the rules applicable at the park.
“The project manager at the time of installation (of gym equipment) has been informed of building rubble that was not removed as it was supposed to be.
“West Street has been treated with weed killers on Monday, July 22.”
No further comment was received.
