Park upgrade goes ahead without council support

To date Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM) seems not to have given help or support to a few individuals who have a dream to keep children off the streets.

Lebo Motswere together with a handful of residents from Boltonia have been giving their time voluntarily to change a dilapidated park – which through the years has become an illegal dumping site – into a place where children together with their parents can come and unwind.

After the news reported about the municipality showing their support to other parks in and around the city earmarked to be redeveloped, the groups expressed their anger about the way the municipality is doing things.

“We have had several meetings with the municipality, especially representatives from the Parks Department, but they just make promises that they do not keep.”

Thus far with only the help of the community the team changed the landscape of the park bit by bit. “We use our own skills, time and the little equipment we have to bring a change.”

Their plans will cost much less than the proposed R22 million Coronation Park dream park redevelopment.

Motswere says all they want now is a netball field, a volleyball court and toilet facilities.

“We also have dreams for a soccer field, but it can be built at a later stage.”

The team members work for a mining company and some of the money they earn is invested in the park.

They plan to built about three braai stands, put up picnic benches and tables with grass shades and a lapa.

“The lapa has not been completed as we do not have money to pay the person who is building it for us.”

In the meantime they painted the alphabet and math sums on the walls around the park.

Despite the news asking several prominent businesses for help, two said they would see if they could assist.

Motswere says the park still needs bricks for the braai stands, paving bricks and tyres for the pathways, chains and some playground equipment such as swings.

Krugersdorp resident Elmarie Krige donated a few plants and flowers from her garden and told the news on a previous occasion that she too cannot understand why the municipality can spend millions on developing other parks but neglects this one.

“I am not yet finished helping them. Motswere has such a great heart and for me it is inspiring to see how people fight to get things done with or without others’ help – for such a person I have tons of respect.”

The news sent a request for comment to the municipal spokesperson Nkosana Zali, but has not received any.

For more information on the park and how to become involved contact Motswere on 074 447 6647.