Birch Acres residents frustrated over neglected community park

Residents of Birch Acres, Ext 27, in Ward 13 say they are frustrated with the state of their community park, which they claim has become a hotspot for crime and drug use due to a lack of maintenance and municipal intervention.

Community parks are intended to serve as safe recreational areas for children and local residents.

However, resident Tankiso Letuka said the Birch Acres park is often occupied by drug users, making parents hesitant to let their children play there.

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Despite frequent calls to police, the park remains a haven for substance abusers.

Norkem Park SAPS spokesperson Sergeant DP Mkhondo urged parents to educate their children about the dangers and legal consequences of drug use.

“Community cooperation remains an effective tool in combating drug-related crimes. Residents should work closely with the CPF, local patrollers, and Youth Crime Prevention initiatives, who assist the police in monitoring suspicious activity,” she said.

The overgrown grass and broken streetlights have further contributed to rising crime.

Playground equipment, such as soccer and netball poles donated by the community to encourage positive activity, is often broken or stolen. Pedestrians returning home late fear walking through the park due to the risk of robbery.

In response to the lack of municipal action, residents have taken matters into their own hands.

Community clean-up days are organised, and community leader Richard Seletisha chases substance abusers away from the park.

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“Drugs are destroying our community; the only time we have a drug-free park is during winter or on rainy days,” Seletisha said.

He added that the last time the municipality sent tractors to trim the grass was ahead of a meeting set up by Ward 13 Clr Bulelewa Ngqowongi on February 7.

“They only cut parts of the grass so we wouldn’t complain during the meeting,” he said.

Ngqowongi explained that parks are maintained quarterly and reminded residents that the municipality maintains all parks in the metro, not just Birch Acres.

“Parents often blame the rise in crime on a lack of maintenance rather than communicating with their children to understand why they turn to drugs and spend their days at the park,” she said.

Ngqowongi also said she regularly conducts spot checks to ensure service delivery reports are completed and follows up with relevant departments when necessary.

City of Ekurhuleni acknowledged the increase in crime and drug use in community parks and said it implements measures such as regular weed control and grass cutting to improve visibility and safety in public spaces.

Residents are urged to report open drug use and sales to their nearest police station or contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.