During a visit to Rietvlei wetlands on July 15 by a group of stakeholders it was noticed that there are increasing acts of vandalism at the wetlands.
Those in attendance were members of the EMPD, Norkem Park SAPS and Ward 15 Clr Amanda Davison.
Davison called on the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) to curb further acts of vandalism which may permanently damage the biodiversity of the wetlands.
“CoE needs to prevent vagrants from gaining access to the wetland. During phase one of the Rietvlei Beautification Project, bollards were placed along Soutpansberg Drive to prevent vehicles from entering the grass planes and wetland. These bollards are constantly being moved,” she said.
ALSO READ:
CoE gives updates to the halting Glen Marikana move
Davison thanked the EMPD for their continued monitoring and policing of this area to curb the vandalism.
“EMPD members have confiscated cut pieces of trees and wood and officers were also requested to check that the bollards are not moved by anyone until the parks department replaces and permanently fixes them.
“During the site visit, reflective markers were found throughout the wetland area and ravine, indicating pathways for vagrants to follow at night.
“The severely understaffed SAPS in Norkem Park has been at the forefront of fighting cable theft from the PRASA lines and indications show that the wetland is used by the cable thieves as a route.
“According to the head of Environmental Resources and Waste Management Department, the department is currently working on reduced personnel as a measure to limit the risk of Covid-19 infections. This matter will be attended to in due course,” Davison said.
“Preventative measures were implemented by the Parks and Cemeteries Division by digging a trench between the residential complexes namely, Oppiemeer and Dromedaris to stop illegal dumping in the wetland.
ALSO READ:
Men in Black Doeks slay their head wraps for women
“This trench is no longer sufficient, as criminals brazenly stop their vehicles next to trench and load the chopped wood from trees in the area without fear.”
A request for comment was sent to the CoE questioning the efforts by metro to curb vandalism at the wetlands. At the time of publishing, no comment had been received.
Also follow us on:
