This is according to Themba Gadebe, metro spokesperson, who said council is open to suggestions from the public.
Gadebe confirmed the amount allocated to the Bunny Park for the 2016/17 financial year, starting on July 1, is R7-million.
A follow-up enquiry was sent to the metro, asking how the money will be spent at the facility, but no comment was forthcoming at the time of publication.
With legal action, accusations of animal cruelty and public controversy plaguing the Benoni landmark, the way forward seems unclear at the moment.
The Bunny Park Animals 911 Group and Ban Animal Trading (Bat), the volunteer groups involved at the park, have called for its permanent closure since before October last year.
The groups want the animals to be re-homed and the facility shut down, as the animals suffer, according to them, due to mismanagement.
Gadebe said the public can submit suggestions to Jaco Burger, a horticultural expert employed by the metro’s Parks and Cemeteries Division, at jaco.burger@ekurhuleni.gov.za.
“The metro has appointed a landscape architect, who is currently in the process of doing an EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment),” said Gadebe.
“As soon as the EIA is completed, the landscape architect will start with a draft concept plan and then a draft master plan.
“Burger will forward all inputs to the landscape architect.
“Once a draft master plan has been completed, a public participation process will begin through the local ward councillor.”
Gadebe asked that all submissions be sent in by the end of May.
Clr Gerrie Kriek (Ward 27) said things are going well at the park.
“I agree with bringing the public in, they have to play a role,” Kriek said.
“The park is a great part of this ward, it should not be closed.”
Also read:
