LETTER: Was fence at CR Swart Park lawfully erected?

John Victor, Benoni, writes:
As a member of the local angling community who regularly uses the facilities at the CR Swart Park and Rynfield Dam, I have some concerns.

Approximately 50m of the fence has been erected on the public side of the dam bordering the Ebotse Golf and Country Estate and the East Rand Speedboat Club.

Having spent countless hours fishing from the banks of the dam, I have questions regarding the latest development.

What processes were followed in the approval of erecting the fences? Were the necessary legal steps taken to ensure this project adhered to the regulations governing public parks? Who was the appointed contractor responsible for the project?

To my understanding, the park and dam are public spaces and should be freely accessible to all members of the community.

I would like to ensure its use remains inclusive and that any developments are lawful and transparent.

Editor’s note: John Kartsounis, the Ebotse Golf and Country Club Estate estate manager, responds: As reported by the Benoni City Times on May 18 last year, part of the agreement with the CoE is the estate has undertaken to maintain the park.

However, the dam falls under the ownership of the estate.

To ensure the safety of our residents, vital and highly sensitive security systems are located behind the fenced areas.

Those on both sides of the East Rand Speedboat Club are out of bounds for the safety of all concerned.

The estate has further committed to maintaining CR Swart Park to ensure the area can be freely enjoyed by members of the community, subsequently creating a safe and secure space for all.

Use of the park is from first light to last light daily, and the shoreline outside of the fenced areas is open to anglers to enjoy recreational fishing without impeding onto the confines of the estate, which, ultimately, triggers the security systems.

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