SCATTERED with litter and loitering vagrants, Montclair Park on Wood Road has become a disturbing sight for local residents and commuters.
Several complaints have been lodged by community members who have called for the relevant city departments and ward 64 councilor, Gavin Hegter to act in addressing the issue. The park has also become a hotspot for social drinking and has raised safety concerns for those who reside nearby.
Hegter said it is unfortunate that the park, which was upgraded a few years ago, has deteriorated to such an extent.
“Apart from the fact that the Department of Parks is not able to maintain the park, which has become a local drinking spot with drugs being openly traded and gambling, this has been reported to Montclair SAPS on numerous occasions but the situation has not changed,” he said.
He is aware that some residents who use the park facilities have been harassed and become victims of robbery.
“We are not only being failed by our city, which cannot provide residents with basic services, but we are also being failed by SAPS who are unable to enforce the necessary laws to provide our residents with a safe environment. However, I will continue to engage with the various departments in the fight to get the services that our residents are entitled to,” said Hegter.
Montclair SAPS spokesman Capt Dereck Vijiam said that as the local police, they are well aware of the concerning and illegal activities at the park. He said they have effected numerous arrests and continue to monitor the area.
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