Dam in total disarray, complains resident
FOURWAYS- Vicki Blom, a Fourways resident, contacted Fourways Review regarding the poor state of the Spruitview Park near Fairfields Estate.
Blom told of her horrifying experience when she visited the park. “My dog and I almost drowned in the pond,” she said. “She fell in and the dam was full of those alien plants. It wrapped around her legs and she couldn’t get out. I jumped in after her but it was as if I had landed on a thick carpet. I tried to swim to her but couldn’t move.
“I eventually had to pull my way on top of the weeds but at this stage the weeds had wrapped around my legs and I couldn’t get out,” accounted Blom.
That was a year ago and according to Blom the state of the park’s dam has deteriorated. The dam is still full of alien plants and a stench has started to develop, she said.
“They need to keep that water clean and maintain it on a monthly basis,” she said. “They need to keep the grass short and pick up dead animals that are found there.”
According to Jenny Moodley, the media liaison officer for City Parks, the dam forms part of a storm water catchment network.
The dam is critical in reducing the flow of water entering the catchment, and assists in minimizing the impact of river bank erosion and flash flooding of properties downstream. She said it was important for residents to note that the overgrowth was not to be interfered with over the peak rainy months as it could lead to accelerated erosion and flooding. “It is also imperative that dog walkers are advised that pets should not be off a leash in these areas.”
Moodley said removal of the overgrowth would take place in March this year. Requests and complaints can be sent via email.
Details: jcp@jhbcityparks.com
