Entities seek solutions for displaced people
HURLINGHAM – There seems to be no solution at the moment for displaced people on Hurlingham Park while relevant entities are locked in negotiations trying to come up with an action plan.
It seems that there is still no solution for displaced people at Hurlingham Park. A previous joint multi-entity blitz operation by Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo and JMPD seemingly proved fruitless as the residents later returned to the park.
According to Ward 90 councillor Martin Williams a strategic plan is required. “We need to try to accommodate these people, we’ve seen in the past that chasing them away is not a solution. Hurlingham Park is one of the flagship areas we need to take care of. Pro-active planning is definitely needed in this case.”
JMPD Region B deputy director, Tshepo Chocho confirmed that the JMPD is part of the ongoing discussions with relevant organisations to address the issue of displaced people on Hurlingham Park. “Remember that I can’t just dispatch JMPD officials to go and remove displaced people. This matter is broad and we have got other parties involved and everyone needs to play their part.”
Spokesperson for Joburg City Parks and Zoo Jenny Moodley echoed Williams stating that the success of previous operations to remove displaced people have been short-lived as they return back to the park within 48 hours. Moodley also revealed that relevant entities are currently integrating long-term plans to find solutions to address the concern.
“Many of the displaced people are often part of the informal sector that collect recyclables. Some suburbs are ensuring that their domestic waste is properly sorted at the source and then placed adjacent to non-recyclable waste on refuse collections days. This ensures that non-recyclable materials are not transferred to the park.”
Moodley encouraged residents to consider the Adopt-A-Park programme that calls on citizens to co-manage their neighbourhood park. Where residents get more involved in making the park a more vibrant, secure and enjoyable space by hosting community-led events. “The reality is that there are over 2 200 medium to very large flagship parks in the city and the budgets allocated to maintenance are not adequate to include security in every park.”
Moodley concluded that community members should make contact with Joburg City Parks and Zoo via their ward councillors or email bmohlathe@jhbcityparks.com to discuss the Adopt-A-Park initiative that will help contain illegal land use in Hurlingham Park.
Stakeholder manager at the Department of Health and Social Development Siyanda Makhubo confirmed that the department is aware of the matter and that they dealing with it.
Related articles:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/233166/concerns-raised-about-displaced-people-living-on-private-property/
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/228685/video-community-helps-30-people-affected-wilton-ave-fire-bryanston/
