Polokwane Municipality’s apparent failure to maintain parks and open spaces and the public’s unwillingness to take pride in facilities and stop littering is a concern for residents.
In response to numerous complaints received, Polokwane Observer visited some parks and open areas and established that the situation indeed leaves much to be desired.
The Flora Park dam and adjacent picnic area is a popular venue for people taking an early stroll and according to a resident who provided pictures, human excrement was observed in the stream feeding the dam from the culvert at Marshall Street last recently. The area was also littered with liquor bottles and cans, food wrappers and lots of evidence of partying over the weekend.
The open areas surrounding the clinic in Seshego Zone 4 and the Seshego Dam, are now used as public dumping sites and create a huge environmental hazard. A resident raised the concern that the refuse dumped next to the streams leading to the dam will be swept right into this resource during the rainy season.
Regular participants of the Polokwane Parkrun that takes place at the Tom Naudé Park early on Saturday mornings, continuously complain that some areas and walkways are frequently inaccessible due to debris and broken bottles left behind after parties on Friday evenings.
Communications and Marketing Manager of the municipality, Matshidiso Mothapo said that the city is doing its level best to keep up with cleaning after the public have littered and can only succeed with the help of residents. Mothapo undertook to bring the specific complaints to the attention of the relevant strategic business unit.
Story: BARRY VILJOEN
>>barryv.observer@gmail.com
Photos: Herbert Rachuene
>>herbert.observer@gmail.com
