Poles to put a stop to park parties

MOTORISTS looking for a spot in the shade to have a party in the parks of Empangeni, will have to make alternative plans.

The City of uMhlathuze has, after some encouragement from the community, planted 1.2 metre poles around the periphery of parks and open spaces, making access improbable for cars. Almost all of Empangeni’s suburbs will benefit from the ongoing project.

Empangeni Community Policing Forum Chairman, Zilindile Masango, welcomed the project at a CPF meeting last Tuesday.

According to Masango, the CPF submitted a letter to the municipality in April last year, putting forward a proposal to have the parks fenced as they invite criminal activity.

The abuse of these facilities is not a new issue. Recently some residents have used these parks for entertainment, drinking, cavorting and in some cases, drug abuse.

‘The latest tendency among certain segments of the population is to abuse public open spaces through unwanted vehicular access, alcohol abuse and noise pollution, posing a risk to other users,’ said City Communications Manager, Mdu Ncalane. He said the wide geographical distribution of parks and open spaces made effective policing difficult.

According to Ncalane, the project falls under fencing, which forms an integral part of the development of public open spaces.

Whether due to vandalism, theft or misuse, money being used for fencing could otherwise be spent providing suitable seating, tables and proper lighting.

‘When incidents of trespassing are reported, such will be dealt with in terms of Council’s bylaws pertaining to Nuisances and Public Amenities,’ said Ncalane.

‘The support from the public to report such activities to the Traffic Department and/or Nuisance Officers will be highly appreciated.’

@kcowan23