Nothing is being done to curb problems in Rhodesfield park
The biggest problem is the fact that vehicles are able to enter the premises
MICHEAL BURGER writes:
I have previously written two letters about the problem at the Rhodesfield rose garden/park whereby vehicles are able to enter the premises.
The letters were written with the hope that the metro would wake up and “smell the roses” but given the state of the gardens/park it does not surprise me that they can’t smell anything.
The metro has blatantly ignored residents, hiding behind budget excuses and not delivering on its promises to fence and police the place.
To recap, the park used to be quite a beautiful and peaceful place. That, however, is not the case any more and the metro just seems to not care any more even after the problem was brought to their attention twice by myself.
The biggest problem is the fact that vehicles are able to enter the premises. Adding to the problem, is the liquor store right across the park. Although I want to make it clear I have no problem with the liquor store or management, I do have a problem with the people consuming large quantities of alcohol in the park. This leads to fights, littering and general illegal behaviour.
The few private vehicles entering here also love littering. They drive in, do whatever it is they do, and then just dump everything outside their windows because, god forbid, they would have to get out and walk to the provided trash bins.
Of the vehicles entering and littering the place, the main culprits are the taxis. This place turns into a makeshift taxi rank during the day and I’m sorry but this is unacceptable and I will never be okay with this. I’m sure I’m not the only resident that feels this way.
Another thing that has recently started is some kind of illegal gathering of vehicles at night in the road in front of the park next to Pretoria Road. Not sure what they do but I’m pretty sure it’s nothing good.
With every letter that was written previously, the metro has promised fencing and police patrols to help solve the problem. I’ve personally seen the police twice but the issue has been going on for close to a year. So what now?
What action will the metro take this time? Right, they never take action. Fifty bucks, says they come up with some excuse again and the fence doesn’t happen. The police will probably do a drive-by once, watching everyone in the park drinking and littering but not do anything.
The fence doesn’t have to be big and expensive and we certainly don’t want the place to look like a prison. We just need something to keep the vehicles out. Take a drive down Mosquito Road or visit Homestead Lake and you’ll see a perfect example of what can be done.
So metro, now you have all the information you need. You have the suggestions and we all know you have the money since we all pay tax, now it’s just up to you to take action.
The metro failed to reply – Editor
