Many residents have questioned the Ekurhuleni Metro’s decision and timing to erect the fence, so the Addie approached council for some answers.
Themba Gadebe, spokesman for the metro, says the fence was requested by the community years ago in light of the vandalism that takes place in the park.
“Also, as part of the rehabilitation of the park by council and the business associates that are in partnership with the metro, a view was taken that the fence be erected to protect some of the assets that have recently and will soon be put in the park,” he says.
This includes the upcoming mast, windmill restoration, as well as some of the park furniture.
Gadebe adds that vagrants were staying in the mine shaft and that the fencing is hoped to eliminate this and other activities taking place at night.
“Once the park has been fenced off, it will be open to the public from 8am and will close at 6pm in terms of council by-laws,” he says.
The delay in putting up the fence was due to budget constraints.
“The contract has now been awarded and we will soon be putting up the complete fence,” says Gadebe.
