No formal oversight over neglected park in Ward 88
Pressure on city officials has been mounting due to the long and overdue maintenance of the Milner Avenue Park in Ward 88, with no official oversight over the land.
The neglected open space at the corner of Matabele Street and Milner Avenue has become a pressing concern in Ward 88, with no clear ownership to ensure its maintenance.
Councillor Nicolene Jonker has highlighted the ongoing challenges surrounding this area, which, despite being part of the broader Alberts Farm region, has been overlooked for years without any department formally taking responsibility for its upkeep or development.
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“This park is a textbook case of broken promises and poor follow-through,” Jonker stated, referencing its repeated appearances in the city’s integrated development plan (IDP) over the years, only to be sidelined without any implementation or budget commitment.
Jonker has been actively involved in addressing this issue since 2018. Between 2021 and 2023, the Department of Sports and Recreation attempted to assist by partnering with a local non-profit organisation (NPO) for basic grass-cutting services. “However, their support was withdrawn after the illegal dumping of approximately 150 000 cubic metres of sand. The department later cited the site’s wetland status as incompatible with formal sporting use, leading to their complete withdrawal from the project.”
The park has also become a fire hazard due to overgrowth and accumulated illegal dumping. “These are not controlled burns; they’re preventable, unmanaged fires that endanger nearby homes and wildlife, straining already-stretched emergency services. This is a direct result of zero formal oversight,” Jonker emphasised.
The situation is further complicated by City Parks refusing to maintain the area, claiming it was once a sports field. Jonker said that Johannesburg Property Company (JPC), which holds custodianship of unallocated land, has never formally assigned the site.
Residents have taken matters into their own hands, personally funding interventions over the years, with NPOs like Let’s Work stepping in to assist. However, Jonker insists that it should not be the responsibility of private citizens to maintain municipal land.
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Felicity Lawlor, chairperson of Let’s Work, expressed her disappointment regarding the maintenance of public land, emphasising that it is a core responsibility of city officials. “They are publicly funded, democratically accountable, and tasked with maintaining public spaces as part of their core mandate. However, when cities face limited resources or slow response times, private organisations and community groups often step in – not to replace public responsibility, but to fill the gaps and drive local pride.”
Lawlor underscored the importance of maintaining public spaces, stating: “When parks are neglected, litter piles up, or fire breaks go uncut, it sends a message that public safety and community well-being are not prioritised.” The ongoing neglect of the park in Ward 88 serves as a stark reminder of the need for accountability and action from city officials to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
To escalate the issue and put pressure on officials, a petition has been launched, demanding formal assignment and maintenance of the park. “It will be submitted on June 17, as the right to safe public space is a generational matter. As of June 4, we’ve received 77 signatures and counting,” said Jonker.
Residents who want to be added to the petitions can visit the link: https://forms.gle/BzmQE5mMcyjb4xVM6 or scan the QR code.
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