The recent bylaw infringements and litter left behind after visitors to Zoo Lake in celebration of Heritage Day has sparked fury among concerned community members.
Although Metro police were allegedly patrolling the area, there were still open fires, drinking, littering, loud music and illegal parking taking place. “This is not only a Heritage Day problem; this takes place almost every weekend. Metro police are not available most of the time and also the manpower that is available is less than the crowds that come to the park,” said Brain Bridle, general manager of Moyo Zoo Lake and also a member of the Zoo Lake Users Committee.
He added that on several occasions he had seen people engaging in sexual intercourse in view of the public. Another issue raised by him was the lack of facilities to accommodate the number of people at the park. “The park closes at 6pm and so do the toilets, however, people are still at the park until 7.30pm and sometimes later, and they use the park as a public toilet.”
According to Bridle, in some of the areas in the park the smell of urine because of the constant usage of the toilets. Faeces can also be seen under some of the trees.
Metro police spokesperson, Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar commented that there was no need for anyone to panic. “Metro police is in full control of the situation. Anyone found to be misbehaving will be arrested and will be taken to the Parkview Police Station.”
“As the Zoo Lake Users Committee, we are most concerned about the deterioration of Zoo Lake. What occurs over most weekends is tantamount to a state of anarchy with very little regard for bylaws, no control and little security. We call on the City to provide its citizens with a Zoo Lake of which they can be proud by giving it the attention it deserves,” said Fran Haslam, chairperson of the Zoo Lake Users Committee. She said the credo of the committee is to work towards a clean, green and safe park.
After the Heritage Day celebrations, at about 7.30pm, Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) responded to a fire at Zoo Lake after reeds caught alight. Ward 87 councillor Amanda Forsythe tweeted about the fire and said it was about 150 metres away from the Zoo Lake Bowling Club and that it was a Parkview resident who had informed her.
“Upon my arrival, EMS was already on scene and responded in great time. I was informed that the reeds could have been set alight by someone on purpose. Ignorance is not an excuse to break bylaws, people need to know the laws and adhere to them,” said Forsythe.
Details: www.zoolake.org
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