Residents raise alarm over deteriorating conditions at Rietfontein Nature Reserve
Concerns are mounting over the condition of Rietfontein Nature Reserve, with regular visitors calling for urgent maintenance after reporting a water leak, damaged pathways, invasive plants and neglected public facilities.
Residents who regularly visit Rietfontein Nature Reserve in Paulshof are calling for urgent intervention to address what they describe as deteriorating conditions at the popular green space, raising concerns about maintenance, safety and the long-term well-being of the reserve.
Among the issues highlighted are a persistent water leak near the public toilets, eroding pathways, invasive plant growth, broken glass and neglected garden beds.
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Resident Chantal Nativale, who frequently visits the reserve, said the condition of the reserve has noticeably declined.
“From my observation, the pathways and the driveways are really in poor condition at the moment.”
Nativale said she had noticed a water leak that had continued for at least two weeks, resulting in a pool of standing water in a constructed area of the reserve.
“There has been a water leak for at least two weeks that I have noticed, and a little dam has formed. The toilets have been out of order, and you can see there was a sewage spill,” she said.
She also expressed concern about the spread of lantana, an invasive plant species.
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“During summer, there was lantana, which I believe is an invasive plant, covering much of the reserve. I’m worried that it will eventually take over the natural vegetation.”
Despite the concerns, Nativale said the reserve remains an important natural sanctuary within Johannesburg.
“We saw two little buck a moment ago, which was incredibly heart-warming. If we’re fortunate enough to have a nature reserve in the middle of the city, we need to maintain it for the wildlife that lives here and for the community that enjoys it.”
She also reported regularly finding broken glass in the reserve, evidence of candles having been lit on the grass and rocks, neglected flower beds, and pathways that continue to erode.
In response to enquiries from the Fourways Review, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo said the reserve is managed through a lease agreement between the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) and the facility.
The Review then directed questions to JPC regarding maintenance responsibilities, the reported water leak and the concerns raised by residents.
JPC spokesperson Lucky Sindane was contacted for comment, but no response had been received despite follow-ups.
The reserve’s management was contacted, but the attempt was unsuccessful.
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