City Parks and Zoo plants trees in Noordwyk to celebrate Abour Month

To make use of open public spaces and celebrate Arbour Month, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) planted 134 trees in Noordwyk.

Before the planting of the celtis africana trees, commonly known as white stinkwood, City Parks installed five wooden benches and dustbins to ensure that residents make use of the park and keep it clean. This is part of Arbour Month which is celebrated annually in September.

In attendance was Ward 112 councillor Lerato Mphefo who welcomed the entity employees before being joined by Region A’s director, Abigail Ndlovu. This happened on September 7, at Blackwood Circle Park, which will be the name of the newly found park.

Regional manager of City Parks Dr Joseph Mbulaheni Ndou said the aim was to turn the unused public open space around for the community to utilise it.
“The plan now is to erect or install palisade fencing throughout the public space to make it safer and secure. We also plan to install playground equipment for kids around the suburb as requested by one community member. This should be done on or before the end of October.”

He said the by-law and park-name signage will also be installed.

Mphefo pleaded with the residents to look after the park immediately and not be negative towards the tree-planting initiatives.
“I am proud of City Parks because this is the entity that delivers and refuses political interference. Its leaders are skilled, educated and fit for purpose. Residents need to stop being negative towards this entity because you will get people saying they are wasting money.”

She urged residents to partner with them so that they can look at the bigger picture of having a clean park within the suburb and use it to their benefit.

Otto Ramokaku and Ward 112 committee of Public Safety said, “I would like to thank City Parks and Zoo under director Ndou and councillor Mphefo for the good thing that they have done here today. Please, residents, let’s take care of the park and make use of it.”

Another community member, Angela Chimpelo, said she was happy to see the progress.
“I have been a resident for 27 years, and this gives us hope. It shows that we are being looked after and we will get to experience better nature and oxygen,” concluded the happy resident who vowed to even water the trees herself.

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