Late night church at Joffe Park irks residents

The residents of Trilby Street, Oaklands, have been complaining for a while about noise and smoke coming from the Hilson Street Park, known to some as Joffe Park.

According to Ward 73 councillor, Mia Synman, this noise is coming from a church service that now seems to be held every night in the park.

“After a site inspection it was clear that there are people living in the park, from a few people sitting around a fire and clothes and blankets lying around,” explained Synman.

“Metro police have been out during the evenings to ask the church group to move and this has not bore fruit. An environmental health inspector has been on the site. He explained that it is a City Parks issue. City Parks have been made aware of the issue. They are still looking into the matter.”

Oakland’s resident, Dillon Swartz said he stays close to the stream and every night a church service is held by a group of people. “This group shouts and sings at the top of their voices until as late as 2am.”

Snyman said the best solution is to fence off the park, however, it might have to be at the expense of the residents, as City Parks has no budget for this.

Raymond Makananise of City Parks said they will look at the matter closely and will engage with the community on the way forward.