Municipality gives the Boksburg Lake a major facelift of R2,1-m

A massive construction project to revitalise the recreation area at the lake has been underway for the past couple of months.

The main contractors, Aveng-Grinaker and Earthforce, were assigned the task to construct an amphitheatre, braai facilities, install park furniture and to carry out landscaping.

Upgrading of the parking and road area is also envisioned.

According to Themba Gadebe, metro spokesperson, construction work on the facilities started in September, and is expected to be completed by March, next year.

The project is costing R2,1-million.

The facilities will be made available to the public to use free of charge, however, a booking fee will be charged if one wishes to make a booking.

To improve lighting, high mast lights are also being installed at the lake, as part of the improvement project.

Gadebe said another R10-m is earmarked in the 2016/17 and 2017/18 financial year budget for further development on the south bank.

“This will include more play areas, picnic areas, upgrading of the old lapa as well as hard and soft landscaping,” said Gadebe.

“The tender for the appointment of a consultant to conduct specialist studies of the Boksburg Lake has been advertised and closed on December 4.

“The scope of work includes determining the current pollution status of the lake, investigation of the best rehabilitation option, public participation and obtaining the necessary environmental authorisation.

“This phase of the project is scheduled to take 18 to 24 months.

“The actual rehabilitation work will resume once the costs have been established and resources secured.”

The Advertiser has noticed that, since November 14, the number of people visiting the lake to hold parties, mostly on weekends, has dramatically increased.

However, it seems as if there is still no access to toilets, as the newly-constructed ablution facilities remain locked.

According to Gadebe, the ablution facilities at the lake are not open outside of operating hours, and this is in line with the Parks by-laws.

“There is a scarcity of operational ablution facilities caused by ongoing vandalism and theft, which is regrettable,” he said.

“This is the reason why facilities are locked after hours. The upgrades at the lake, as well as improved security and control measures, will ultimately ensure users are better catered for in future.” -@FanieFLK

Big improvements underway at Boksburg Lake

Boksburg Lake: it is time for residents to take matters into their own hands

A ‘dam’ shame – Lake of Doom desperately needs remidiation

There’s something fishy at Boksburg Lake