WATCH: City Parks to address Ormonde’s long grass problem in May
Residents want the long grass and shrubs cut at least three times a year.
The long grass and shrubs on Alwen West Road in Ormonde at Shakespeare Bridge have always been an eyesore and fire hazard for residents.
According to Jorge Ferreira, who has lived in the area for years, they cut the grass and shrubs regularly, but this has abruptly stopped. He said it would be enough if they only cut these three times a year.
City Parks to address Ormonde’s long grass problem in May pic.twitter.com/cnj03C2u6X
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Last year, on August 22, a huge fire caused massive damage to Upavon Road and Othello Drive properties.
“My insurance estimated the damage at about R200 000. That is proof enough of how serious this matter is.
Homes could have burnt down. People could have died. It could have happened while we were asleep. The fire was so intense that it broke windows and damaged the walls, pool and trees. After winter, when all these grass and shrubs have dried up, they are a fire hazard.
“That ground has grown so out of control that the thick bushes and shrubs need heavy-duty equipment to cut them. A tractor, for example, would take one day to address the problem.
“And we are told by councillor Stuart Marais to be proactive and cut them ourselves,” noted Ferreira.
He also noted that they recently cut the grass about 2m from the streets but not near the houses where the danger is.
Another resident Thulani Bhengu, who lives on Othello Drive, also complained about the unkempt long grass and illegal dumping. He, too, feared for the lives and properties that could be lost.
Ward 54 Clr Marais said the city has many land open spaces with are unfunded, meaning there is no specific budget to cut there. It has also had a budget cut hence there is less frequent cutting of parks, even though this is budgeted for.
They have decided that they will cut verges next to pedestrian sidewalks. They have also cut next to the complexes from Crownwood Road to the Chip Shop, which they cut once a year. The contractor has completed the following main arterials last week: Northern Parkway, Dorado Street and Alwen Street.
“Regarding the case with Mr Jorge Ferreira’s property there was a verge cut away from all the walls, a mini firebreak. As you can see though that due to budget restraints they could not cut more.
“In my honest opinion, I know the city is responsible for the upkeep of the area, but it is not always possible. If residents are proactive, they will cut those same verges three feet away from their properties and this will protect their homes and electric fencing.
“As harsh as it might sound, I think it is a contingency plan that the residents could follow. I care about the residents, stand by them and I will continue to fight for them,” he said.
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) spokesperson Jenny Moodley said the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has a service level agreement with JCPZ and makes available bulk orders with funding to City Parks to address horticultural requirements in JRA’s facilities.
“The current orders from JRA are primarily focused on key arterials needing to be maintained regularly. JCPZ is committed to ensuring the area in Ormonde is maintained and will address service shortfalls within its limited budgets during the off-peak dormant season between May and July.
“In the interim, JCPZ is resolving grass-cutting concerns along selected main roads and arterials with a cut 5m from the curb to avoid risks relevant to motorist visibility and to ensure pedestrian access,” explained Moodley.
Residents are urged to register all requests on Joburg Connect by emailing joburgconnect@joburg.org.za with all the supporting details or by calling 011 375 5555.
