Ward 31 parks in a state of neglect

IN an article published in the Berea Mail early last month residents expressed their outrage at the state of Bulwer Park. Glenwood resident, Barry Young appealed to the municipality to step in to improve the condition of the once popular playground. At the time Young said the park’s upkeep was severely neglected.

Recently, another dilapidated park in Musgrave has been highlighted by local residents as being an eyesore; Essenwood Road Park. According to Ward 31 councillor Remona Mckenzie, many residents have complained about the state of the park. “The Essenwood Park is utilised frequently by residents, especially on a Saturday. There is a flea market every Saturday, where residents and visitors come to enjoy the food, the entrainment, foot and shoulder massages and more. Many residents have complained about the state of the park,” she said Mckenzie says that parks are one of the most visited recreational facilities. “It is my responsibility to make sure that the parks in my area are well kept by the officials assigned to my ward and are working according to the service charter. I have worked closely with all officials. I have now reached a point where I must vent my frustration. The conditions of the parks have become worse, and what makes it difficult is the complete silence of why the parks in my ward are being neglected. Due to the poor conditions, people stop visiting the parks, and those who visit, face many challenges,” said Mckenzie.

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“Parks are now being used as toilet facilities, and drug users are injecting themselves in broad daylight and dispose of needles in the park. This is a huge hazard and a health risk to residents. People are sleeping in the parks, which makes it unsafe for residents,” said the councillor. Mckenzie says that the reality and truth is residents pay for maintenance services and are not getting the services.

“I have requested that the Acting District 7 local management responsible for providing service-required maintenance to the parks, prioritises and puts in place urgent measures to address the current lack of service. We have been monitoring the staff on the ground – grass cutting is not up to standard, which leads to heavy growth of bushes at every corner. Toilet facilities in parks are vandalised and are in a pathetic state. Supervision and constant checks by the supervisors need to be carried out,” she said.

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“Swings and outdoor play equipment are a big attraction for the kids. As you know, in an era of digital media, it has been a challenge to inculcate healthy activities in kids. Play equipment has not been upgraded, painted or repaired over the years. Therefore, I have made the request to renovate all parks in my ward so that adults and kids can enjoy the facilities again,” concluded the councillor. The eThekwini Municipality was not available for comment at the time of going to print.

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