The City of Ekurhuleni has announced that a Birchleigh park, which remained neglected for at least two years, will be upgraded within a budget of R1.7-million.
The park is bordered by Maroela, Mopani and Asgaai streets.
According to ward councillor Gideon van Zyl, he identified the park’s upgrade as a top-five priority on the capital budget in 2017. It was approved but the work never started.
“It’s a wonderful park but it’s not being utilised,” Van Zyl told the 15 residents who gathered in the park last on Sunday for a public meeting.
“It’s no use they spend R1.7-m if the park isn’t maintained,” one resident said.
“I want to see the park become a prime place for residents to visit,” Van Zyl said. Now, as the municipality wants to start the maintenance as soon as possible, it seems his dream might come true.
The upgrade to the park will include an echo gym, new playing-equipment for youngsters, two new gates, footpaths and a parking space for municipal maintenance vehicles. The fence surrounding the park will also be refurbished, and lights, which have been stolen over the years, will be replaced.
“Exotic trees will also be removed and replaced with indigenous trees that use less water,” Van Zyl added. No braai areas will be available in the park, as Van Zyl believes this will go hand-in-hand with alcohol.
The park will have signage to indicate open and closing times. Van Zyl stated that community members will have to take responsibility to ensure the park is closed, as the municipality does not have the staff available to do so themselves.
During these upgrades, eight South African citizens from Birchleigh can lend a hand in return for a small stipend. Those interested in taking part in the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), can contact Van Zyl on 071 177 5591.
