Park upgrade project gets underway
Brakpan residents can look forward to enjoying new facilities at Jan Smuts Park after the revitalisation and upgrade of the park started this week.
The Herald reported on the proposed development in August, last year, and despite the ongoing hyacinth infestation at the Brakpan Dam, the City of Ekurhuleni has committed to developing the park.
DA councillor for Ward 97 in Brakpan, Brandon Pretorius, welcomed the development and described it as “good news indeed”.
“In the past, Jan Smuts Park was a popular area the town could be proud of and was used by residents for different recreational activities,” he said.
“Sadly, over the past few years it has become an issue and the park has been closed to the public because of the dam’s hyacinth infestation.
“The upgrades bring hope that we as a community will soon be able to utilise the park.”
Pretorius recently met with the project contractor.
“It was clear that the contractor is enthusiastic about the project and top quality work was ensured,” said the councillor.
Also read: Development offers hope for Brakpan Dam
According to Pretorius, the area from the Lake Restaurant to the wall bordering the parks department will be upgraded.
He explained that the new facilities will include a parking area, skatepark, basketball court, an amphitheatre, bicycle trails and paved footpaths.
“As the Democratic Alliance in Ekurhuleni we think using the time to upgrade the park while the park is closed is a good idea,” said Pretorius.
“We are, however, concerned that the metro left the park and dam to deteriorate to this extent.
“If maintained, this should not have been necessary.
“We will keep on applying pressure to ensure value for money and A-grade workmanship to ensure a long life span for this park in the future.”
Pretorius pointed out that it is a priority for the municipality to start acting in a progressive manner in clearing the dam of hyacinth.
“We will fight for the rehabilitation of the dam so that residents can once again be proud of the park,” he added.
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