Deteriorating Lahee Park needs urgent attention
On Saturday, residents took it upon themselves to cut the overgrown bush, and cleaned up the neglected park.
RESIDENTS have once again called for authorities to take action on the poor state of the infamous Lahee Park.
Steve Duckworth, from the Manors Neighbourhood Watch, said that homes adjacent to the park have been targeted by criminals in recent weeks, with one house suffering seven attempted break-ins.
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“This is a huge problem – criminals have even broken the concrete slats and cut the electric fence to gain entry to this family home. Residents are not safe in their own homes,” said Duckworth.
According to Duckworth, he has reached out to officials on so many occasions and has been told by Metro that they do not have enough manpower. “This is ironic, considering that the Metro Training College is situated right inside the park,” he said.
Littering, loitering, drinking in public, vagrancy, illegal dumping and overgrown bush are among the many concerns about the park mentioned by Duckworth.
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“It seems like only the community is trying to combat the crime through neighbourhood patrols and cleaning up the hotspots. Within the park, most of the buildings are abandoned.”
Being a Pinetown resident for the past 42 years, Duckworth said it was so sad to see a sport precinct, which was once home to top athletes, deteriorating. “So many can benefit from this park if it is properly maintained,” he added.
In what used to be a thriving complex, only three sports clubs remain.
“Clubs started shutting down 10 years ago due to the condition that the park is in, and the rise in crime,” he said.
On Saturday, residents took it upon themselves to cut the overgrown bush, and cleaned up the area.
Resident Lee de Barros said they liaised with the Parks Department to get the go-ahead for the clean-up initiative.
“We also received support from businesses in the area, and we are grateful for their support. We are planning another clean-up in the next two months,” she said.
eThekwini Municipality did not comment by the time of going to print.
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