A PUBLIC meeting was held in the Oakleigh Park recently, to discuss a partnership between residents living around the park and municipal departments.
Around 40 residents who resident in the area surrounding the park met to discuss the new initiative that aims to uplift the area.
Councillor Chris Pappas said the meeting and proposed project had come about is a result of eThekwini Municipality not providing quality services to residents.
“Verges are not cut, litter is not picked up frequently enough and parks are in a sad state. The city’s key departments such as Parks, DSW and Metro Police are getting less resources and where they do get resources, senior management is not prioritising the basics,” said Pappas.
He said the concept of Urban Improvement Precincts was not new, with Florida Road, Umhlanga, Bulwer and other areas in the city having used this model of urban upliftment very effectively.
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“We will be trying to establish a foundation for a form of urban improvement intervention in the area between Berriedale Road and Ramsay Road. It will be centred around the park and focus on fixing the small things that can make a big difference in the area,” he said.
Pappas said following the meeting, residents had agreed to make small contributions to a co-op that has been established.
The co-op, Buy’isizwe, will collect the contributions and be guided by a small committee made up of community members on where to spend funds.
He said examples could include maintaining roadside verges and gardens, collecting litter in the streets and park, and clearing vacant plots.
“If the municpality was delivering services we would not be forced to make interventions like these. However, if we sit back and do nothing we will see our areas go backwards. This should not be seen as an excuse to cover up for municipal failures. Councillors, political parties and civil bodies must continue to demand better services and hold government accountable,” he said.
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