The R14 million upgraded People’s Park in KwaDukuza was officially opened by KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka on Tuesday.

The upgrade of the park in Theunissen Road on the south side of the town was completed in June.

KwaDukuza municipality spokesperson Sipho Mkhize said the opening of the park had been delayed by lockdown regulations.

The provincial department of cooperative governance and traditional affairs funded R10 million and the rest was funded by the council.

The park is a popular gathering place for the town but there have been concerns in the past about illegal activities such as public drinking and parking vehicles in the middle of the park.

The upgraded park now includes an amphitheatre, children’s play areas, braai facilities, picnic areas (inclusive of tables and seating), outdoor gym, designated vehicle parking area, paved pathways, ablution facilities, public lighting, refuse bins, signage, landscaping, beautification and irrigation, outdoor furnisher, storage facility, bulk earthworks, bulk stormwater, bulk sewer, bulk water and fencing.

According to Hlomuka, the upgrade is part of a department project to rejuvenate small towns. It aims to give residents easy access to its recreational facilities.

“Through this park, we are hoping that small businesses will benefit in that they will be able to sell things to users of the park.

“Hlomuka said the department hoped that residents of all races could enjoy the common space.

“We know that there are some who negatively reported about this project and we wish to indicate to them that this park is for the benefit of the people of KwaDukuza,” said Hlomuka.

KwaDukuza Mayor Cllr Govender said the opening of the park was a cause for celebration.

“This park will open many opportunities for families to gather and for any social activity to take place here. This is a welcome development which we are proud of as the KwaDukuza local municipality,” said Govender.

Ilembe District mayor Sduduzo Gumede thanked the MEC and the department for the ongoing investment KZN Cogta continues to make in small towns across the district.

“Through your department’s investment, MEC, many small towns have improved and upgraded their infrastructures, such as taxi ranks, stormwater drainage or market stalls for small traders,” said Gumede.

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