Kensington park fencing denied
It would seem Kensington residents living around a park at the corner of Benbow and Argyle streets will have to implement their own security measures to eradicate crime in the facility.
Last month the EXPRESS published an article in which residents called for fencing, more lighting and the closure of an open drain, which was a perfect hideout for criminals, in the park. This followed the rape of a woman.
Residents said they were tired of the crimes taking place as a result of the lack of safety measures. The park has no gates and no fencing. It leads to the koppies making it easy for criminals to escape.
Criminals loiter and eye properties on a regular basis. Some residents said they have had their properties accessed by thieves on numerous occasions.
Soon after residents’ complaints were forwarded to the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), workers temporarily closed the open drain with old slabs.
Officials said the drain would be permanently closed once they received new slabs from the supplier.
Ms Jenny Moodley, from Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), said the JCPZ ensured the lights in the park were repaired by City Power.
Park rangers who went to the park also removed remnants of a fire and structures built by vagrants.
However, residents’ desperate pleas for fencing have not been answered.
Ms Moodley said fencing is not a viable option. “Criminals jump over barbed wire to commit crimes. So palisade fencing is not going to help. Vagrants feel safer in fenced off areas so it is not a deterrent,” she said.
She said JCPZ did measure the area for possible fencing, however, fencing and more lighting is subject to the availability of funds.
“JCPZ is mindful of the concerns of residents, however, the region has highlighted that there are other more pressing concerns in the region and the ward, which includes the inner city and areas such as Yeoville, Malvern, Berea and Troyeville.
“Resources are being prioritised as per the ward’s Integrated Development Plans (IDP) and funds have been set aside based on the current priorities highlighted as part of this annual budgeting process,” she said.
Ms Moodley encouraged residents to use this facility by hosting community-based events.
“JCPZ has seen a trend that where parks are extensively utilised, there is a decrease in the decay of the facility. An underutilised park attracts undesirable elements,” she said.
Although still hoping that authorities will implement safety measures in the park, residents are not sitting back and waiting.
Soon after the rape incident, residents met to discuss their options. The community is currently testing the use of solar powered lights.
Mr Navin Bachu, from the Western Kensington Residents’ Association (WKRA), said they are also considering installing cameras and an integrated security solution.
Clr Carlos da Rocha, ward 66, said if residents want a fence around the park they can submit a request to him when the IDP process is underway. “I do not know how successful it will be because it will not be in my hands to decide of the park gets fencing or not. However, I will raise the issue of safety. I do understand residents’ concerns but it is not council’s policy to have all parks fenced. If they do it for one, they will have to do it for all,” said Clr Da Rocha.
The next IDP consultation process will only take place next year.
