Nearly three weeks after the matter was first brought to their attention, Joburg Roads Agency is still verifying whether R2.5 million was budgeted for restoration at the old Sundowner Dam.
What was once called Sundowner Dam – found in Sundowner Spruit Park – is overgrown with plants and trees now, and only has a trickle of water running through it.
The article, A dam shame this is, appearing on the front page week ending March 24, highlighted residents’ frustrations with seeing the fish die and birds move away.
Residents also complained of having to take it upon themselves to maintain the park.
This includes cutting bushes for fear of criminals hiding among them, and laying wooden and concrete slabs down to cross the muddy spruit.
Also read: Sundowner Dam is an eyesore and a shame compared to what it was – residents
Ward 134 councillor Devon Steenkamp said he was told by management at JRA they had budgeted R2.5 million for a project on the dam for this financial year.
To date, Joburg Roads Agency spokesperson Lucia Mhlanga has not been able to confirm this.
“Please note that we are working on verifying the validity and/or existence of the said R2.5m,” she said, adding that the agency has taken into account the information brought to it by the publication, and is following up on the matter.
Steenkamp is following up with the roads agency and the Environment and Infrastructure Services about the budgeted funds.
City Parks spokesperson Jenny Moodley said a ‘cut and clear’ of the dam had been scheduled for May, but the responsibility of the city’s dams falls under Joburg Roads Agency.
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