‘No threat to life at Sundowner park and dam’ JRA
SUNDOWNER – Locals are not happy with the state of local park and dam.
Park Village Complex chairperson, Robin Linton is incensed by claims from Johannesburg Roads Agency that there is no threat to life and limb at Sundowner Park and Dam.
This follows concerns from Linton and Dirk Schöttler who stressed about the level of erosion at the river which has left the park and dam in a horrendous condition.
In Crumbling Away, published week ending 24 November, spokesperson for the agency, Bertha Pieters-Scheepers indicated they were aware of the erosion but as of yet did not feel it was a level one threat.
“It was prioritised in 2011 as a medium priority three project where properties are at stake, however, life and limb are not currently at risk,” said Pieters-Scheepers.
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However, Linton was not satisfied with the response provided by the agency.
Linton said, “The erosion is now one metre from the perimeter wall of Park Village. Along the wall is the living quarters of our employee. If there is a collapse, there is a threat to him in addition to the property.
“Pieters-Scheepers also mentions a prioritisation in 2011 as a medium three project but that was six years ago and things have changed drastically since then.”
Photo: Sonwabile Antonie
He also added that the agency has a significant insurance risk for damage to the residential complex, and if someone should fall into the river and is injured, it is a risk of life and limb.
“This area is a park belonging to the City and the City has made no effort to monitor and close off the narrow strip of the bank outside Park Village.
Children play in the area and other people walk through the park to get from Taurus Road to the part of Sundowner along the dam.”
The agency was approached for comment. An update will follow as soon as it becomes available.
