Bokkie Park concerns linger as facilities fall into disrepair

Once a cherished family attraction in Boksburg, Bokkie Park has become the focus of a growing dispute between residents, a ward councillor and the municipality.

Although the park is intended to provide a safe and welcoming space for families, a recent visit by the Boksburg Advertiser revealed deteriorating infrastructure and damaged facilities, raising renewed concerns about maintenance and oversight.

The metro has, however, disputed several of the allegations linked to the park’s condition.
The Advertiser found that the lapas remain in poor condition, while a number of playground structures appeared damaged and in need of repair.

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Concerns were also raised about the condition of some of the water features, which appeared polluted, prompting questions about cleanliness and water management at the popular community park.
These concerns are strongly denied by the metro.

On a more positive note, overgrown grass at the park was being cut during the visit.
Park visitors told the Advertiser that while Bokkie Park still offers a pleasant outing, it requires urgent attention.
Vosloorus resident, Justin Molefe, who visits the park twice a year, said the space has significant potential.

“This is one of the few places where you can relax with your family and show children animals and nature,” said Molefe.
“The metro could turn this into a real attraction by keeping it clean and providing a guide or two to show people the animals. It has great potential, but it needs proper maintenance.”

Another visitor, Sanna Feldtmann, added: “They don’t take care of the place. It could be better maintained and made safer.”

Councillor flags park issues
Ward 32 Clr Marius de Vos described the state of the park as unacceptable, raising serious concerns about water wastage and sanitation.

“The conditions at Bokkie Park are nothing short of disgraceful. Potable water has been gushing from the ground for an extended period, despite the matter being repeatedly escalated to responsible officials,” said de Vos.
He added that this amounted to reckless water wastage in a city where residents are regularly urged to conserve.

While de Vos maintains that raw sewage is contaminating on-site water sources, the metro has dismissed the allegation as ‘untrue’.
“In my view, this is not mere neglect; it is a blatant failure of basic municipal responsibility and a health hazard to the community,” he said.

Response team
De Vos said he has engaged the city manager directly and was informed that a response team has been activated to urgently attend to the water leak.
He added that he would continue to monitor the situation and apply pressure if necessary to ensure accountability.

SPCA inspections
Boksburg SPCA secretary Sue Beadon said the society regularly conducts inspections relating to the animals at the park, including when complaints are received.
She confirmed that everything currently appears to be in order.

City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) responds
In response to these concerns and allegations, the CoE provided the following answers to questions posed by the Advertiser:

• Ablution facilities: Three of the five adult toilets are currently operational, with the remaining two expected to be repaired later this month. Two of the four children’s toilets are operational, with the remaining two also scheduled for completion later this month.

• Water leaks: All but one potable water leak have been repaired, with the final repair planned for later this month.

• Sewage allegations: The city denied raw sewage is flowing into on-site water sources.

• Water quality testing: No water quality testing has been conducted, as the city said there is no sewage contamination.

• Maintenance: Minor maintenance is attended to on an ad-hoc basis and is generally addressed within 21 days.

• Long-term plans: Responding to our question about any long-term plans or budget allocations to upgrade, secure and better manage the Bokkie Park, the city stated that community facilities are being prioritised across the city and that both short- and long-term strategies are being developed, despite current economic constraints.

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