EVANDER – Govan Mbeki Municipality has big plans for Evander Dam, but cannot afford it right now.
Mr Lucky Mhlongo, spokesman of Govan Mbeki Municipality, replied to questions sent by Ridge Times after residents complained about the public park and dam in Pietersburg Street.
Residents living in the area said every weekend people arrive at the dam on Friday and Saturday afternoon and party until the early hours of the morning.
“They leave behind all their rubbish and empty bottles, I am sure this dam is full of empty glass bottles,” said a resident.
“Where do they go to the toilet, since there are no toilets here?”
This issue also sparked a big debate on Ridge Times’ Facebook page between upset residents and partygoers who claim that they do not have enough space at home to entertain their friends.
https://www.citizen.co.za/ridge-times/151811/residents-near-evander-dam-unhappy-parties-dam/
Mr Mhlongo said to Ridge Times: “The way out is to fence off the facility so that we can be able to control access and charge some entry fees, thereby enhancing revenue for the municipality.
“However, the municipality is currently unable to fence off the area, because of budgetary constraints. Another option is for the municipality to outsource the facility.”
Ridge Times asked Mr Mhlongo if the municipality cannot enforce the by-laws of drinking in public and take hands with the police to minimise the problem and he said any form of drinking alcohol in public is regarded as an offence.
“This includes drinking in vehicles on a public road, recreational grounds and sports fields, parks and on sidewalks.
“The municipality might at any given time request the interventions from its law and compliance enforcement unit to control the hostile situation in the park.
“The municipality condemns the behaviour off irresponsible adults who are consuming alcohol and then pestering each other in the process.
“The municipality expects people to behave in a manner which will not disturb other people’s comfort in the park.”
Mr Mhlongo said people can contact the law and compliance enforcement officers at 017 620 6327 about complaints.
