Park in Ehmke street littered again
At the time of going to press, Ngala had not yet responded to media queries.
More than two years after Nelspruit Post first reported on the state of Ehmke Street’s public park, it is once again covered in litter. For the past few weeks, various locals have noted that the park was in a dire state.
Originally intended as a family friendly area where residents could bring their children for leisurely picnics and play, it is utilised on afternoons and weekends for illegal public drinking. Once a favoured dog-walking destination, it has now been degraded to something akin to a rubbish dump.
On Sunday, Nelspruit Post paid a visit to the park situated opposite the Village shopping centre. One journalist observed that a majestic tree with large roots, formerly a visual attraction, was surrounded by litter. Plastic bottles and bags, styrofoam food containers, papers and various beer and other alcoholic-beverage bottles were scattered on the ground.”
A group of people were sitting at a park bench. They were noisy and seemed to be under the influence of alcohol.
The degradation of the park has been an ongoing problem since 2014.
In November of that year, the paper reported that illegal traders were operating in the park. A local businessman in the area came up with a creative solution. He struck an agreement with the traders.
They were allowed to trade on the premises on condition that they assisted in keeping the park clean. Thanks to this solution, the park’s state improved. It is not clear what has become of these traders. It is also not clear whether anyone has been assigned to keep the park clean.
The recent municipal strikes added insult to injury. Two weeks ago, Nelspruit Post reported that municipal workers trashed the city’s streets. The amalgamation of Mbombela and Umjindi municipalities were at the heart of a dispute between the municipality and its employees.
After unsuccessful attempts to resolve the issues through mediation, the workers embarked on an unprotected strike. Nelspruit Post’s sister publication, Lowvelder, reported that 21 protesters were arrested and charged with public violence.
Nelspruit Post asked municipal spokesman, Joseph Ngala, whether the municipality was aware of the park’s state and how it intended to respond. He was also asked whether a person or group has been assigned the park’s upkeep.
At the time of going to press, Ngala had not yet responded to media queries.
