JOHANNESBURG SOUTH – Oberholzer Park, corner of Geranium and Hector streets in Rosettenville, was the first stop for Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo’s (JCPZ) three days mega blitz campaign which started on Wednesday November 19 and lasted till Friday November 21.
The cutting of long grass, park maintenance, tree pruning and general sprucing were done by approximately 120 Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers, 120 City Parks and Zoo employees.
Pikitup addressed litter picking and illegal dumping, while Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) repaired potholes, repainted road markings, clearing out storm water channels and repairing broken curbs. Water leaks was done by Joburg Water.
JCPZ, the custodians responsible for parks, street trees, conservation areas and cemeteries, is appealing for patience from residents as it resolves its seasonal backlogs.
“We’re appealing to residents to please be patient as we methodically work towards resolving the peak summer maintenance backlogs,” said Mr Bulumko Nelana, Managing Director of Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo.
Nelana said summer rains significantly impact on the greening entity´s ability to deliver services at an optimum level. This is largely due to the warm and wet weather which:
• Accelerates the rate of growth of long grass, shrubs and trees.
• Impedes long range planning and intervention work schedules as employees are not authorised to operate machinery in the rain.
• Hinders contractors as it is not cost effective to commission work in the intermittent rain.
• Results in operator downtime as the overgrowth places extra pressures on machinery.
• Increases the time it takes to maintain open spaces with long overgrowth.
• Generates an increase in the number of residents requesting street tree pruning.
• Boosts the number of users to parks, resulting in added strain on playground infrastructure and increasing bylaw transgressions such as littering and illegal parking
The seasonal challenges are further related to an ever increasing portfolio of public open spaces. Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo is appealing to residents to maintain sidewalks adjacent to their homes, which will go a long way towards alleviating some of the pressures of timely delivery, and will allow the greening entity to focus on parks, cemeteries and street trees that require more specialised maintenance services. Proactive blitz operations with relevant city entities will be continued in all regions until April 2015.
JCPZ would also like to acknowledge the support of residents who are diligently maintaining verges and sidewalks adjacent to their homes. Verge maintenance opposite public institutions such as schools, clinics and along main arterials will continue to be managed by the greening entity.
JCPZ however appeals to all residents to play their part by refraining from littering, disposing of domestic waste in public spaces and dumping building rubble along main arterials.
“This is unsightly, unhealthy and impacts directly on the economy of our country,” warned Nelana, who urged residents to take pride in their suburbs by beautifying their verges.
Requests for service delivery can be directed to 011 375 5555 or email: jcp@jhbcityparks.com
