The Tshwane metro has blamed recent rains for the delay in grass-cutting in the east of Pretoria.
Ward 82 councillor Siobhan Muller had said the residents she served had however raised serious concerns.
She said east residents, particularly in Ward 82, were seriously concerned that of overgrown sidewalks and the parks the municipality had neglected risked their safety and security.
She said residents had become concerned about the municipality’s ability to provide basic service.
Muller said grass in Frik Eloff Park, Palm Park, and several others had not been cut since October.
She expressed her frustration at the lack of response from municipal authorities despite repeated requests for maintenance.
“My residents cannot safely access parks anymore because the grass is so tall.”
She said ticks and snakes thrived in tall grass.
Fallen tree removed in Atterbury Road. #Region6 pic.twitter.com/beH01xwc5H
— City of Tshwane (@CityTshwane) January 9, 2025
According to Muller, the following parks spots have not had their grass cut for a long time:
– Frik Eloff Park, on the corner of Kings Highway and Rosemary Street, Lynnwood
– Palm Park, the Village Road Menlo Park/Lynnwood
– Dawn Street Park, Lynnwood
– Open area on the corner of Sussex East and Strubenpark Street, Lynnwood
– Thatcherfield Street, Lynnwood
– Dely Road, Ashlea Gardens
– Brooklyn Road Menlo Park/Brooklyn
– Lynnwood Road N1 to Brooklyn Road
– Atterbury Road
– Justice Mahomed Street N1 to Brooklyn Road
– Garsfontein Road N1 to Dely Road
– Stanza Bopape from Kilnerton to N1 bridge
– Hazelwood, Selati, Nuwe Hoop streets
– N1 and Wild Avenue
“ Grass and weeds need to be cut and sprayed on all main roads and parks,” said Muller.
“Shrubs and trees growing into the road and out of stormwater catch pits need to be removed.”
It’s almost back to school time, we are making sure that areas around schools are safe.
Grass cutting around the schools vicinity.#ReASpana #TshwaneAtWork pic.twitter.com/oTEdipKFPI— City of Tshwane (@CityTshwane) January 3, 2025
In a Facebook video post, Ward 85 cllr Jacqueline Uys criticised the current government for not cutting grass though the budget for the service had been set aside.
WATCH:
Uys said on Lynnwood Road, the grass is so long that you would think you are in the jungle.
“Since the new government took over, very little grass has been cut,” said Uys.
“With all the recent rains, the city is now turning into a jungle.”
Uys said before the DA left office, it set aside funds to hire grass cutters and buy their tools.
“The budget was not for contractors but for employing a grass cutter and buying the equipment needed,” she said.
“The current government has not filled those positions or purchased the equipment.”
Maintenance and grass cutting at Bronkhorstspruit municipal offices and Mark Street park pic.twitter.com/VafHXvE1nd
— City of Tshwane (@CityTshwane) January 8, 2025
Grass cutting happening in various areas in Region 6. pic.twitter.com/RZbGjqFZkG
— City of Tshwane (@CityTshwane) January 8, 2025
In response to these concerns, Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashigo confirmed that indeed a budget was allocated for cutting grass in Pretoria east.
Mashigo said the Pretorius Park Horticulture depot was mandated to do the job.
“Pretorius Park Depot used the budget for the hiring of tractors and machines as well as one truck,” said Mashigo.
“A third [of the budget] has already been spent.”
He said grass cutting only started in mid-November when the rain stopped but was hampered it became persistent again.
“The metro has approved norms and standards as well as a maintenance plan for the grass-cutting season,” he said.
Mashigo said that grass-cutting depends on the category of the park and season.
He said the grass-cutting cycle is as follows:
– developed parks: once every three weeks.
– semi-developed parks: once every six weeks.
– undeveloped areas: three times per year.
– Spruit areas excluding nature conservation areas: once per year.
“Should human resources such as operational supervisors, horticulturists, gardeners, machine operators, grass-cutting contracts, and equipment hire be optimal, the cycle can and will be increased.”
He said a plan was in place, and priority is given to tall grass that impedes driver visibilities on the road where needed.
He said developed parks, islands and municipal facilities would follow.
He said the backlog was caused by the delayed start to grass-cutting but assured residents that a catch-up plan would be implemented.
“Overtime will be implemented to alleviate the backlog,” said Mashigo.
“The hiring of tractors will increase once the rain has subsided.”
Our teams are on the ground delivering services to the people Tshwane . The year 2025 will be about service delivery to all residents black and white , suburban and townships . pic.twitter.com/Yuf8W6GMdg
— Obakeng Ramabodu (@RamaboduObakeng) January 2, 2025
Also read: Metro comments on sad state of park in Pretoria West
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