The Springs War Memorial is an eye-sore to those living in town.
Besides the vandalism, which has seen plaques removed and the fence cut in half, the park surrounding the memorial has become a hive for vagrants.
The memorial is covered in litter and it is clear the grass has not been cut in some time nor has any maintenance been done.
When the Addie went to the memorial last Wednesday, there were people sleeping in the area, burning rubbish on the grounds and sorting through rubbish bags, looking for materials to recycle.
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This was in full view of the EMPD which has its office opposite the park and the police who drove past the memorial did not bat an eyelid.
Ward councillor Dean Stone was dismayed by what he had seen and said this is the worst he has ever seen the memorial since he became a ward councillor.
“This looks even worse than it was seven years ago.
“This is a disgrace, a shame really because this is supposed to be a memorial.
“This park falls under Sports and Recreation, Arts and Culture, and they have not done what they promised to do in 2011, except for erecting the fence,” says Stone.
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Metro spokesperson Themba Gadebe says the metro is aware of the state of the facility and they are working hard to reverse the state of deterioration of the War Memorial.
“That facility was currently maintained on an ad-hoc basis, and that has proven not to be enough, as evidenced by the situation at the War Memorial.
“The metro plans to erect an additional clear view fence to enhance security around the Memorial and to deter those who carry out vandalism.
“In addition to the erection of a clear view fence to protect the memorial, the metro will involve the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department for quick response in case of any criminal activities at the Memorial.
“There is currently cleaning taking place at the facility to restore it to its original state.”
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