Bonaero Park residents take action as suburb faces decline

Bonaero Park residents and real estate agents Alexandre and Sue Galvão have raised concerns about the deteriorating state of their neighbourhood.

The couple, who have lived in Bonaero Park for decades, say it is heartbreaking to see their once-beautiful suburb fall into disrepair.

“Since moving here in December 1974, and my wife joining me in 1987, we have watched Bonaero Park decline,” said Alexandre.

“It is very sad to see this brilliant suburb being abandoned.”

ALSO READ: Kempton Park residents frustrated as potholes on Jacoba Loots Road remain unrepaired

Alexandre recalls a time when the roads were in good condition, the parks were maintained, and the suburb had a thriving “Bird Sanctuary” on Atlas Road, complete with pink flamingos and other bird species.

Today, the sanctuary has become known as “Poo Lake,” with sewage and rubbish flowing into it, destroying most of the birdlife and creating an eyesore.

He added that while the council previously handled repairs properly, today many potholes and roadworks are left incomplete, leaving residents to navigate dangerous streets.

“The roads have become car breakers,” said the couple.

“Driving around the suburb, whether for work or home, is stressful. Emergency vehicles also struggle with the poor road conditions, and unclear street signs make matters worse during crises.”

Alexandre urges municipal leaders to visit the area more frequently to proactively assess and fix problems, rather than waiting for residents to complain.

ALSO READ: VF Plus fixes potholes on Elgin Road after service delays in Kempton Park

He also believes residents should not have to pay extra for basic services like grass cutting and pothole repairs, as they already contribute through rates and taxes.

The couple also highlighted the impact on property sales. “The decline in upkeep affects property values and makes it harder to meet sellers’ expectations,” they explained.

Meanwhile, residents of Bonaero Park Extension 3 have taken matters into their own hands.

Justine Vorster, who has lived in Bon3 for 40 years, said that back in 2021, community members decided to restore the area after years of overgrown spaces, litter, and high crime.

With volunteers like Barry Vorster and Ralph Iskra leading the way, the community purchased a tractor for grass cutting and began regular cleanups, tree trimming, litter removal, and park restoration.

Bon3 VMA (Virtual Monitored Area) was subsequently established, with Mamba Security installing three number plate recognition cameras. Crime rates dropped, and Bon3 became one of the safest and most attractive areas in Kempton Park.

Achievements of Bon3:
• Safe, clean parks with play areas for children
• Spaces for families to picnic, walk, run, and cycle
• Community activities, including weekly exercise sessions
• Regular events such as vendor markets (next event: 6 September)
• Increased property values
Maintaining Bon3’s achievements requires ongoing resources. Currently, the community relies on:
• Two gardeners working weekly
• Fuel and maintenance for tractors
• Camera monitoring and upkeep costs

ALSO READ: Birchleigh residents fix potholes themselves after months of municipal delays

Membership contributions are crucial, with a suggested fee of R145 per month per household. More members would enable further improvements, including pothole repairs and expanding services.

“Our dream is to see the entire suburb adopt this model, ensuring every corner of Bonaero Park is safe, clean, and welcoming,” said Vorster. Residents interested in joining Bon3 or starting similar initiatives can contact Bon3vma@gmail.com.

Vorster added that younger extensions, like Bon3, experience less decay due to strong community involvement.

“As taxpayers, we are concerned about the whereabouts of municipal funds. Why is it so difficult to get the municipality to act? Sometimes they cut grass after repeated requests, but often we rely on our own resources,” she said.

The Kempton Express submitted an inquiry to the City of Ekurhuleni on February 27, requesting a response by March 2. At the time of going to print, no response had been received.