Budget constraints result in no park ranger for Westdene Dam

City Parks and Zoo have stated that Westdene Dam has no designated park rangers due to limited finances.

Residents in Westdene have been stressing the fact the newly-renovated Westdene Dam is slowly returning to a state of decay following rampant crime and vandalism as reported in the Northcliff Melville Times article Dam security a worry [Week ending 15 March]. Residents and the Sophiatown Police Station believe that the dam urgently needs a park ranger to secure the dam, however, City Parks have come out stating they are not able to so.

Jenny Moodley, spokesperson of City Parks said, “We did not deploy guards at Westdene due to budgetary constraints.”

City Parks were also asked a series of questions on the water that was left running at the dam’s restroom facilities. The Northcliff Melville Times asked if it was true that water infrastructure in the restrooms at the park was recently stolen and water left running for days? And if this is the case, why? They were also asked why maintenance had not been done at the park for months. Both these questions were not responded to by Moodley or any City Parks officials.

Moodley did say that they will ensure that the necessary attention is given to the park to reduce the incidents of theft and vandalism. “Park rangers will continue to patrol the facility and we will ensure that Westdene is on Priority one.”

She also mentioned that a technical team and project plan will be assigned to the park soon. The details of such reports will be communicated with the public upon completion.

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