Part 1: Greenwood Park neglected on important issues
The tennis court and community hall in Cheron Road have met the same fate as the property has not been maintained in years.
FOR years now, the community of Greenwood Park have felt that their pleas for maintenance, beautification and safety have fallen on deaf ears.
Subsequently, a group of residents have formed forum called the Greenwood Park Civic Forum and have complied a 36-page document highlighting all of their concerns.
READ ALSO: Greenwood Park residents call for proper repairs to sewerage problem
Among the issues which they feel need addressing is the Firwood Road community swimming pool, Workington Road grounds, Havelock Sports Ground and issues relating to the clearing of buses and trimming of trees.
Speaking on behalf of residents, Craig Joshua said the document which details all these matters, and more, was handed over to the Ward 34 councillor, Bobby Maharajh and that the forum was still waiting for feedback.
“There are 10 issues, each one with detailed information, in the document. Some of these issues date back to the early 1990s and we feel that it’s not fair to homeowners and ratepayers to be left in the dark about such important matters,” he said.
Other matters include the Havelock Informal Settlement upgrade, road safety which includes traffic lights, scholar patrols, etc., illegal taxi ranks, street lighting, waste collection and the general safety of the area.
“Havelock Grounds is in need of maintenance. The trees need urgent trimming. There is also an existing structure on the ground which is derelict at the moment and is an area used for consuming drugs,” said Joshua.
The community swimming pool in Firwood Road has been closed since 2017 and residents have to make use of the Durban North swimming pool.
“We have the perfect facility right here in our area for the community to use, but we can’t because it was closed for repairs and never opened again. Residents try to use the one in Durban North but due to Covid-19 restrictions, only 50 people are allowed per day,” he said.
Joshua added that the pool was once used for school swimming galas and other swim events but is now a white elephant. Parks, verges, trees and bushes are overgrown and require trimming or clearing.
“We strongly believe that the crime rate has on a high due to the unkept bushes. Criminals are using these bushy areas to hide and rob people in the area. Some of these trees are also growing into electric lines which could cause a problem in the future,” added Joshua.
MORE TO FOLLOW IN PART 2.
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