Community members to enjoy new park in Tembisa

Ekurhuleni MMC for finance and economic development Nkosindithile Xhakaza visited the Ibazelo Park in Tembisa for inspection on October 8.

The park was opened earlier this year when construction was completed.

The MMC said there will still be an official opening ceremony of the park, with details still to be announced. The park is close to the railway station connecting Olifantsfontein Station and Tembisa Station by the Ibezelo section.

“On numerous occasions, members of the community were faced with unforeseen fatalities because they used to cross over the railway line, resulting in casualties,” said Xhakaza.

“The community spoke and we listened. We included the Ibazelo railway bridge railway to create a safe passing area for the community. There are also lights to avoid robberies at night. The bridge was well thought out by the engineers, thumbs up to them,” said the MMC.

Community leader Kaizer Mathamela said the stats of children hit by trains when crossing over the railway were high and it was also a hot spot for criminal activities.

“Community members were also given opportunities to be subcontractors and became part of the project, including the art drawings on the walls,” said Mathamela.

Mathamela also commented on the safety of people coming to the park and the maintenance of the park.

“Before the official opening of the park, we requested security in the park to avoid people coming to use illegal substances and damage the property,” said Mathamela.

Xhakaza also added that there need to be strategies implemented to allow local vendors to set up their stalls by the park, but the by-laws should not be overlooked.

“We need to allow a number of people to sell their vegetables as they will be creating employment for themselves,” said Xhakaza.