After months of uncut grass in their area, Birchleigh North Sector Two residents decided to take matters into their own hands on April 26.
According to resident Solomon Makgoke, the community had contacted Ekurhuleni since the beginning of the year to cut the grass of a park on Malvina Road.
“Our ward councillor and residents logged calls with the municipality but their requests proved futile. The grass had not been cut for more than five months,” Makgoke told Express.
He added that some of the municipality’s excuses included staff striking and lack of diesel for their tractors.
Residents living around the park held a community meeting on April 21 where it was decided they would cut the grass themselves.
“One resident, Xolani, offered his tractor for the project. This encouraged others to donate towards diesel and refreshments,” Makgoke said.
Five days later, Ivan Road’s George and NPCPF Two patroller Solomon took turns to hop onto the tractor and cut the park’s grass, at no cost. Charlie Lopes assisted with his grass cutter to cut the grass where the tractor was unable to. This task took two days to complete.
“Seeing the long grass, which tormented the community for so long, finally cut brought a site of relief for all those involved,” Makgoke said. Ward councillor Desmond Mckenzie thanked the community members for their hard work.
Ekurhuleni failed to comment on the issue at the time of going to print.
