The neglect of shrubs and grass on the sidewalks by the City Parks has become a cause of concern in numerous parts of Weltevreden Park lately.
The Panorama Residents Association chairperson, Dave Baxter, feared a security risk as shrubs and grass growing against some properties can be used as hiding places by criminals.
One of the two areas he was most concerned about was the area on Jim Fouché Road between Phill Allen Avenue and Pranticole Street. “The lack of maintenance in this area has made it look like the Amazon jungle. It’s a high-security risk for the residents of nearby complexes as the City only cuts the bit of grass near the pavements,” he complained.
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He also complained about the vacant piece of land on Rooisering Street in Weltevreden Park, claiming that it is never maintained. “On this green belt, which extends from JG Strydom Road up to the Hillfox Value Centre, nothing gets done.
It has been re-reported numerous times and still nothing has been done. It’s also a high risk for the properties and a good hiding place for criminals,” he said.
Ward 89 councillor, Amelia Bester, who was approached for her comment, said she had raised this issue, among others, with Puleng Ditabe from City Parks as it appeared that regular maintenance was lacking.
The spokesperson for City Parks, Jenny Moodley, was also approached for comment and referred the questions to Puleng, who then responded by saying, “Grass-cutting was done on Jim Fouché Road. The shrubs are not part of the grass-cutting programme; they were not initially planted by the municipality. We can cut them in winter with our winter maintenance programme”.
A dissatisfied Baxter said if the entity makes excuses about the budget, they will be left with no choice but to use the RA’s money to get the job done.
The Northsider is still awaiting further comment on this matter.
